Brian Morris of Springboro said he read the news story on his phone and was so affected by the tragedy, he had to do something about it.
The early morning head-on crash on Interstate 75 near Middletown killed three adults and one child, injured four young children and one adult.
“I’m tired of seeing bad things happen and just thinking, ‘man that’s horrible,’” Morris said. “Not only is it going to be a hard time for them now … the rest of their lives, Christmas is never going to be the same.”
Morris set up an account to support the young survivors. Click the link at the end of the article to make a donation.
Details of the crash
Ohio Highway Patrol investigators said the crash occurred when 40-year-old Joshua Nkansah was traveling the wrong way in the northbound lanes. His vehicle struck a van occupied by the Barhorsts: Mother Michelle, father Scott and their five children. The Tennessee residents were traveling to see family for Christmas up in St. Mary’s.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Nkansah may have been drinking alcohol prior to the crash.
Nkansah and his 7-year-old son, David, were pronounced dead at the scene, as was Michelle Barhorst.
Scott Barhorst was flown from the scene to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Children’s conditions
Nkansah’s 4-year-old son Darius survived and remains in the hospital. His condition is not being released.
Three of the Barhorst children remain in the hospital: 8-year-old Tori and 11-year-old Logan are listed as fair and 9-year-old Haley is listed in serious condition. Their 18-year-old son Tyler Barhorst has been released from the hospital.
“I would like to see the money send these kids to Disney World,” Morris said. “Send them somewhere where they can just have good memories created to help cloud the bad memories.”
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