Headlines 2 July 2026

Lebanon Post investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Deerfield Township

LEBANON – On July 2, at approximately 2:33 a.m., troopers from the Lebanon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash. The crash originated on Interstate 71 northbound near mile marker 23 in Deerfield Township, Warren County. The crash continued off of the interstate and came to final rest on Western Row Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2026 Kia K4 operated by Isaias Zepeda, 25, San Bernardino, Calif., was traveling north on Interstate 71. The Kia traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck the concrete bridge overpass. After contact, the Kia traveled over the concrete bridge overpass and went airborne between the northbound and southbound bridge overpasses of Interstate 71. While airborne, the Kia struck a utility
pole. 

The Kia landed and came to final rest on Western Row Road. Zepeda was ejected from the Kia. He succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

Zepeda’s passenger, Edward Garcia, 30, Corona, Calif., was transported by ground ambulance to UC West Chester Hospital with serious life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Lebanon Post. There was a secondary two-vehicle crash that occurred due to the crash debris from this crash on Interstate 71.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Mason Police Department, Mason Fire Department & EMS, Warren County Coroner’s Office, and Jacob’s Towing Inc.

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