Mazda veered off Codet Road before hitting pole in Somerset area
November 22, 2025 | Columbus, OH
Tamya Barnett, a 20-year-old passenger, lost her life in a devastating single-vehicle crash early Monday morning on Stelzer Road in the Somerset neighborhood.
Tamya Barnett, 20, of Columbus, Ohio, died when the southbound Mazda6 she was in left Stelzer Road near Codet Road and hit an electric pole in the Somerset neighborhood.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that the 2019 Mazda6 was traveling southbound when the driver lost control around 3:23 a.m. The vehicle veered off the right side of the road and collided with an electric pole near Codet Road.
- Victim: Tamya Barnett, 20 years old, passenger
- Date and Time: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, approximately 3:23 a.m.
- Location: Stelzer Road near Codet Road, Somerset neighborhood, Columbus, OH
- Vehicle: 2019 Mazda6
- Outcome: Barnett was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to her injuries
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by local police
The incident underscores the dangers of roadways in urban areas, particularly during early morning hours.
Why Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Like This Occur?
Single-vehicle crashes often stem from preventable factors. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 53% of fatal crashes in the U.S. involve only one vehicle. Common causes include:
- Driver error, such as distraction or fatigue
- Excessive speed
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Poor road conditions or weather
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of fatal crashes that are single-vehicle |
53% |
IIHS |
Annual U.S. motor vehicle deaths |
Over 40,000 |
CDC |
Leading cause of single-vehicle crashes |
Speeding |
Federal Highway Administration |
These figures highlight the need for heightened awareness and safety measures on roads like Stelzer Road.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent reviews play a crucial role in understanding contributing factors.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and those affected must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “Beyond initial investigations, an attorney can examine potential causes, engage witnesses, verify driver histories, identify eyewitnesses, and assess insurance details. This support helps navigate challenges while safeguarding rights.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Preserve evidence promptly to build a strong case
- Conduct thorough background checks on involved parties
- Hire specialists to reconstruct accident scenes
- Explore all available insurance and liability options
Potential for Wrongful Death Claims
Families impacted by such tragedies may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and related hardships.
“The emotional toll after an accident can be immense,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Staying informed on the investigation and protecting legal entitlements is essential for those grieving.”
Newsline emphasizes the importance of consulting professionals to ensure rights are upheld during investigations.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).