Updated October 27, 2026
An adult driver died and two adult passengers were hospitalized after a 2012 Nissan Rogue left Fairwood Avenue in south Columbus just before midnight Monday, Oct. 26. The SUV struck trees, large stones and a chain-link fence before hitting a utility pole, Columbus police said. The crash happened in the Innis Garden Village area near Marion Drive and East Innis Avenue.
The driver was pronounced dead at 12:33 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Police have not said why the vehicle left the road, and the driver has not been publicly identified.
Where did the Fairwood Avenue crash happen?
The crash happened on Fairwood Avenue in south Columbus, near Marion Drive and East Innis Avenue. NBC4 places it in the Innis Garden Village area. Police responded just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 26.
How did the crash happen?
According to Columbus police, the Nissan Rogue was traveling south on Fairwood Avenue and approaching East Innis Avenue. For reasons not yet known, it veered left, crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane.
The SUV then left the roadway and continued southeast into a tree line. It struck several trees, large stones and a chain-link fence. It continued across a field in front of a Fairwood Avenue home and hit a utility pole on the driver’s side.
Police have not reported any other vehicle involved.
Who was in the vehicle?
Three adults were in the Nissan: the driver and two passengers.
- Driver: Emergency crews had to extract the driver, who was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. The driver was pronounced dead at 12:33 a.m.
- Passengers: Both were taken to Grant Medical Center and listed in stable condition.
Police have not released names, ages or specific injuries for anyone in the vehicle. We will update this story if officials release an identification.
Why did the SUV leave the road?
Police say it remains unclear. They have not said whether speed, impairment, a medical emergency, road conditions or a mechanical problem played a role. No charges or citations had been announced.
The Accident Investigation Unit is investigating. Police have described the sequence of impacts but have not offered a cause.
How can witnesses contact police?
Columbus police are asking anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle to reach out:
- Accident Investigation Unit: 614-645-4767
- Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips): 614-461-8477
What happens next?
The investigation remains open. Key questions still unanswered:
- The driver’s identity, once officials release it
- What caused the SUV to veer left
- Whether the passengers have been discharged
Columbus Frontline will update this story as police release more information.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the crash happen?
On Fairwood Avenue near Marion Drive and East Innis Avenue, in south Columbus’s Innis Garden Village area.
When did it happen?
Just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The driver was pronounced dead at 12:33 a.m. Tuesday.
How many people were hurt?
One died and two were injured. The two passengers were in stable condition.
What caused the crash?
Police haven’t said. The investigation is ongoing.
Who was the driver?
Police have not publicly identified the driver.
Sources
- Columbus Division of Police, as reported by local media, Oct. 27, 2026
- The Columbus Dispatch, Driver dies, two injured after SUV leaves road, hits pole on South Side, Oct. 27, 2026
- NBC4 WCMH-TV, Driver dead, two injured after SUV strikes trees, utility pole in south Columbus, Oct. 27, 2026
- FOX 28 / WSYX, One dead, two injured after Nissan Rogue veers off, hits trees and fence, Oct. 27, 2026
- 10TV, 1 dead, 2 injured in south Columbus crash after vehicle travels off roadway, Oct. 27, 2026