Ohio, Sept. 4, 2026 — Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno demanded an apology from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont after a fatal Ohio crash killed Austin J. Karr Grimes, 29.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a pickup driven by Washington G. Naula Ochoa, 34, failed to yield at a stop sign and struck Karr Grimes' SUV, which overturned.
Authorities said Karr Grimes died at the scene. Two SUV passengers, including a 3-year-old, sustained minor injuries. Three passengers in the pickup were uninjured.
Troopers said seat belt use appears to have been a factor; drugs and alcohol were not suspected. The crash remains under investigation.
In a Sept. 1 letter to Lamont, Moreno cited Connecticut's “drive-only” license program and sought an apology related to the crash.
Lamont offered condolences and defended the program as a public safety measure to ensure drivers are trained, tested and insured, according to a statement.
Following the incident, Ohio Sen. Jon Husted urged the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security to move toward a nationwide ban on licenses for undocumented immigrants.