GALLIPOLIS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol released additional information regarding the triple-fatality crash which occurred this morning in Gallia County.

Troopers said the lack of apparent witnesses to the crash and the resulting fire, which destroyed both vehicles, has made the investigation more difficult. A witness reported hearing a siren just prior to the crash. The Patrol car sustained heavy rear-end damage and the Chevrolet Silverado sustained heavy front-end damage. Investigators are currently reviewing all taped radio traffic to determine if the officers were responding to a call for service.

Investigators are confident they will determine the cause of the crash, which is expected to involve a lengthy in-depth investigation.

The triple-fatality crash occurred on Jackson Pike at Mitchell Road in Gallia County at approximately 5:50 a.m. today. Killed in the crash were Sgt. Dale R. Holcomb, 45, a 21-year Patrol veteran, and Tpr. Joshua P. Risner, 29, a seven-year Patrol veteran, both of the Gallipolis Patrol Post, and motorist, Lori Smith, 32, of Vinton, in the two-vehicle crash.

A total of 37 Ohio State Highway Patrol sworn officers have been killed in the line of duty since the Patrol’s inception in 1933. Today’s crash is the first-time in Patrol history that two officers were killed in the line of duty in one incident.

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