A quiet Friday night turned into a family’s worst nightmare in Forest Park when 27‑year‑old Katie Lorenzo died after three cars slammed into each other at the busy intersection of Winton Road and Kemper Meadow Drive around 9 p.m. on January 2. The crash was so violent that emergency crews found Katie already dead at the scene when they arrived, leaving friends and loved ones in shock.
Rescue teams rushed three other people to local hospitals with serious injuries. Among those hurt was a pregnant woman, though officials have not shared details about her condition or that of her unborn child as the investigation continues. Local authorities have been tight‑lipped about medical updates, saying only that the injured are receiving care.
Friends and family have taken to social media to share memories of Katie and to confirm her identity, as authorities have not yet released official confirmation. Those who knew her describe a warm, joyful person with a strong faith and a gift for making others smile, painting a picture of a life full of promise cut far too short.
In the hours and days after the crash, tributes poured in. Close friends recalled how Katie had recently been planning her wedding, making the sudden turn from hopeful future plans to funeral preparations all the more painful. The contrast between anticipation and loss has struck a deep chord with those who loved her.
Investigators from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Unit are now piecing together what led to the deadly collision. They’re examining vehicle damage, gathering witness statements, and looking into whether speed, driver error, distractions, or road conditions played a role. So far, no official cause has been released.
The intersection where the crash happened has long been a concern for local residents. It is part of a stretch that sees heavy traffic each day, and prior reports have highlighted serious crashes in the area, underscoring ongoing safety challenges on Winton Road.
For now, the Forest Park community is mourning, grappling with unanswered questions, and remembering a young woman whose life meant so much to so many. As the investigation unfolds, friends, family, and neighbors alike are holding onto memories and hoping for answers.
