The quiet of the early morning in Centerville, Ohio was torn by tragedy this Wednesday when 22-year-old Benjamin Stearns lost his life in a single-vehicle crash in Chester Township, Ohio, leaving loved ones and the community stunned and deeply saddened. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred just before 2:30 a.m. on Center Road when Benjamin’s vehicle, traveling eastbound, veered off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
When first responders arrived, they found Benjamin alone in his car; despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the vehicle was a 2017 Kia Forte and that Benjamin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash—an omission that underscores the fragility of life and the importance of safety even in the seemingly quiet hours.
The investigation remains ongoing as troopers and local authorities dig deeper into the what-ifs: Was fatigue a factor? Did the road or visibility play a role? Was speed involved? All of these remain under review by the Highway Patrol and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted at the scene. Road crews temporarily closed and cleared the section of Center Road while evidence was gathered and the scene documented.
Back home in Centerville, the ripple from Benjamin’s passing has reached far. Friends and neighbors are sharing stories of a young man who brought brightness into every room, whose laughter came easily and whose kindness meant something to everyone he met. While the OSHP focused on the crash facts, the community focuses on remembering the person behind the headlines. His absence has left a void that’s tangible, but also a legacy of the joy he brought into life.
In conversations with people who knew him, Benjamin emerges as more than a tragic statistic—he was someone whose optimism was contagious, whose heart was genuine, and whose presence lit up everyday moments. In this moment of grief, the community is coming together to support his family and each other, to lean into shared memories and to honor a life that ended far too soon.
As authorities reaffirm their commitment to safe driving and the simple act of buckling up, Benjamin’s story serves as a reminder that the dawn hours can be especially dangerous, and that the choices we make behind the wheel truly matter. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has extended its deepest condolences to his family and urged all drivers to remain alert, wear seatbelts, and take nothing for granted.
Rest in peace, Benjamin. Your time here was brief, but your impact will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved you. Your light continues to shine in our hearts, gone too soon but never forgotten.