South Columbus crash on Llewellyn Avenue leaves one dead; police examine possible speeding and prior collision
What happened
One person died after a single-vehicle crash Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, on Columbus’ South Side, after an SUV struck a concrete barrier near the curve of Llewellyn Avenue by Parsons Avenue. Police and medics responded shortly after 5 p.m. The driver was taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Timeline and location
Time of crash: about 5:13 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Location: westbound Llewellyn Avenue near Parsons Avenue on Columbus’ South Side.
Pronouncement: 5:50 p.m. at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center.
Driver identified; investigators outline events leading up to the crash
The driver was identified as Lee Gunderson, 46, a Columbus resident. A police crash report indicates Gunderson had been involved in a separate collision minutes earlier at the intersection of Watkins Road and Lockbourne Road, where witnesses reported he struck another vehicle and left the scene.
Those witnesses followed the SUV and later told investigators they observed it traveling at an estimated 70 mph along Llewellyn Avenue, where the posted speed limit is 35 mph. The crash report states the SUV veered left and hit a concrete barrier head-on. Officers found the driver slumped over the center console and unresponsive, then attempted life-saving measures until medics arrived.
Investigators have not released a definitive cause of the crash, and the crash report notes that drugs and alcohol may have been factors.
What remains unknown
Police have not detailed why the vehicle left its travel lane, whether mechanical issues played any role, or whether toxicology testing has confirmed impairment. The crash report also indicates the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the incident.
Investigation and requests for information
The Columbus Division of Police investigation remained open as of mid-January. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the crash—or the earlier reported collision at Watkins and Lockbourne—to contact the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.