24-Year-Old Woman Killed in Tragic Crash on I-75 in Portage Township
Portage Township, OH – May 29, 2025 — A tragic accident claimed the life of a young woman on Thursday when her vehicle crashed along Interstate 75 in Portage Township, according to a press release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
The victim has been identified as Makayla Lee, a 24-year-old woman who was driving northbound on I-75 when the fatal incident occurred. Authorities say the crash happened during daylight hours under unknown roadway or weather conditions that are still being investigated.
According to OSHP, Lee lost control of her vehicle while traveling at an undetermined speed. Her vehicle veered off the right side of the highway and rolled over multiple times before coming to a stop. The impact was so severe that Lee, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their efforts, Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. The extent of the damage to the vehicle and the condition of the crash site indicate the severity of the rollover, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. At this time, it is unclear what caused Lee to lose control of the vehicle. Investigators will be reviewing possible contributing factors, including speed, distractions, mechanical failure, and road conditions.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of seat belt use, especially during highway travel. According to OSHP and national traffic safety statistics, seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury in crashes involving rollovers or ejection.
Makayla Lee’s death marks another tragic addition to Ohio’s 2025 traffic fatality toll. Her family and friends are now mourning the sudden and devastating loss of a young woman whose life was cut far too short.
Authorities are urging any witnesses who may have seen the crash or the events leading up to it to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Bowling Green Post as they continue piecing together the timeline of this fatal collision.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, local officials are emphasizing the need for safe driving practices, particularly the consistent use of seat belts, as they continue working to reduce traffic fatalities on Ohio roadways.