The close-knit neighborhood networks, regional faith congregations, and tight-knit spiritual circles of Columbus, Ohio, are draped in a heavy blanket of profound sorrow and intense heartbreak following the tragic passing of Jody (Jodi) Tackett. The exceptional 45-year-old south side resident lost her life unexpectedly during the pre-dawn hours of Monday following a devastating multi-vehicle highway crash on Interstate 270. The catastrophic roadside collision has left her loving family members, local neighbors, and an extensive network of friends within the local Jehovah’s Witness community completely shattered as they collectively navigate an immeasurable physical and emotional void. Jody was a remarkably compassionate, dependable, and selfless woman whose beautiful legacy of service, unwavering integrity, and genuine concern for others left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
According to official emergency response updates from the Columbus Division of Police, the critical incident unfolded at approximately 2:35 a.m. near the Georgesville Road overpass. Jody had pull over onto the left shoulder of eastbound I-270 due to a flat tire and called her husband, Nate, who rushed to the scene with his adult son to perform a tire change on their family minivan. As Jody sat protectively inside a trailing Toyota Corolla with hazard lights activated, an oncoming 2011 Audi A4 operating at extreme speeds crossed into the shoulder, violently hitting the back of her sedan and triggering a horrific chain-reaction crush. Jody succumbed to high-impact injuries at the scene, while her husband was rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition.
Traffic detectives swiftly tracked down the fleeing driver, 30-year-old Jaricah Wright, at a nearby shopping square, booking her into the Franklin County Jail on felony charges of aggravated vehicular homicide after confirming she was driving under suspension while heavily intoxicated. Memorial plans are being arranged.
