Whiteoak Township, Highland County – The Ohio State Highway Patrol Wilmington Post is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal traffic crash. The crash occurred on State Route 321 near milepost 4, at approximately 7:00 AM Feb. 23.
Helen M. Dean, age 54, of Sardinia, Ohio was traveling southeast on State Route 321 in a 1996 Honda Passport 4 door.
Linda S. Bellamy, age 61, of Winchester, Ohio was traveling southeast on State Route 321 and was operating a 2015 Blue Bird school bus. Bellamy was preparing to pick up students when she was struck in the rear by the Honda Passport that was being operated by Dean.
Bellamy was not injured in the crash. Five students from Whiteoak High School were subsequently transported to local hospitals by EMS personnel for non-life threatening injuries. Dean was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Highland County Coroner’s office as a result of the crash.
The school bus that was being operated by Bellamy is owned by the Bright Local School District in Mowrystown, Ohio.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Sardina, Mt. Orab and Highland County Fire/EMS, Highland County Sheriff’s office, Ohio State Highway Patrol Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Dean was not restrained at the time of the crash. Bellamy was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The crash still remains under investigation.