Columbus, Ohio — Aug. 29, 2026 — Relatives of three I-71 crash victims are urging removal of a U.S. Senate ad using their photo.
According to the New York Times, the 30-second spot, titled “Dangerous for Ohio,” was paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and authorized by Sen. Jon Husted's campaign; the family says they were not consulted and want it taken down. (monorepo-sample1.nyt.net)
WOSU reported the Husted campaign said it forwarded the family's letter to the committee; an NRSC spokesperson defended the ad. The ad is no longer airing but remains on YouTube, WOSU said. (wosu.org)
WCPO reported the family maintains the spot is still being seen in Ohio and has asked that it be pulled from all platforms. (wcpo.com)
The crash occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on Apr. 11 on I-71 near U.S. 36/State Route 37 in Delaware County when a northbound semi failed to stop in construction traffic, causing a nine-vehicle pileup and fire, authorities said. Three people in one vehicle were killed and three others were injured; both sides of the interstate were closed for several hours. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the driver was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide; the investigation is ongoing. (wosu.org)
WOSU later reported the driver was indicted on vehicular homicide and vehicular assault counts and is not facing immigration-related charges at this time. (wosu.org)