Brown County, Ohio — In Loving Memory of 22-Year-Old Caleb Holbert
The community of Russellville and the broader Brown County area is mourning the tragic and heartbreaking loss of 22-year-old Caleb Holbert, whose life was cut short in a hit-and-run incident early Friday morning. The suddenness of his passing has left family, friends, and neighbors devastated, struggling to comprehend how a young life filled with promise could end in such a painful and unexpected way.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred along State Route 125 in Jefferson Township. A Rumpke driver traveling his usual route made the tragic discovery when he spotted Caleb’s body along the roadside and immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Caleb had already passed. Officials determined he had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene, and he was sadly pronounced dead where he was found.
During the investigation, troopers recovered a part believed to be from a Ford vehicle, suggesting the car involved may be of that make. Authorities continue to work diligently to identify the driver responsible for the collision. State Route 125 remains closed as investigators from the OSP Georgetown Post and the Ohio Department of Transportation continue gathering evidence and managing detours. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Georgetown Post at 513-378-6191.
Caleb is being remembered as a bright soul with a gentle heart. He was a young man known for his kindness, his loyalty to his loved ones, and his quiet but warm presence. Friends recall his genuine smile, his easy laugh, and the way he always made time for those who needed him. Family members speak of a caring son, brother, and friend—someone who loved deeply, worked hard, and had dreams he was still building toward.
“He had so much life ahead of him,” a family member shared. “He was loved more than he ever knew, and our world will never be the same without him.”
In Russellville and beyond, the ripple of grief is felt strongly. Messages of condolences and prayer have poured in from classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and community members who knew Caleb or simply feel the weight of this tragedy. Vigils, tributes, and memorial gestures are already being organized as loved ones seek ways to honor his memory and support one another through this unimaginable loss.
There is also a powerful call for justice and accountability — not out of anger, but out of love for Caleb and the belief that his life, like every life, must be acknowledged and honored. The community stands united in hope that the person responsible will come forward, or be found, so that there may be closure, answers, and peace for his grieving family.
As Brown County mourns, Caleb’s memory shines brightly through the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind. Though his life was tragically short, it was meaningful, cherished, and deeply valued. He will be remembered always — not for how he left this world, but for how beautifully he lived in it.
May he rest in peace, and may those who loved him find strength in the days ahead.
