JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Authorities are investigating a heartbreaking hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 22-year-old Caleb Holbert early Thursday morning in Brown County. The Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is leading the investigation and is asking for the public’s help in locating the driver responsible.
According to troopers, the fatal incident occurred on State Route 125 near mile marker 16 in Jefferson Township during the early hours of October 24. Investigators said Holbert, a resident of Russellville, was found unresponsive and partially in the roadway after being struck by an unknown vehicle. The driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid or call for help.
Emergency responders, including the Russellville Fire Department and EMS, arrived shortly after the crash was reported, but tragically, Holbert was pronounced dead at the scene. The Brown County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death and assisted troopers with the initial investigation. Law enforcement officers temporarily closed the section of Route 125 to gather evidence and ensure the area was safe for investigators to process.
During their search, troopers located a vehicle part believed to have come from a Ford, leading investigators to suspect the hit-and-run vehicle may be of that make or model. Officials are currently working to identify the specific type of vehicle involved and to locate the driver responsible for the fatal crash. The roadway has since been reopened, but investigators remain at work analyzing collected evidence.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is being assisted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and local emergency agencies. Authorities have urged anyone with information, including dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, or details about a recently damaged Ford vehicle, to contact the Georgetown Post directly at (513) 378-6191. Even small tips, investigators say, could play a crucial role in identifying the driver.
The death of Caleb Holbert has devastated the Russellville community, where friends and neighbors have begun sharing tributes online. Many described him as a friendly and hardworking young man with a bright future ahead. As the investigation continues, authorities are pleading for the driver to come forward and take responsibility for their actions. The OSHP emphasized that leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime and that justice will be pursued for Caleb and his loved ones.