Updated 9/28/2019 10:36 am
Michael Andrus , 36 and his 10-year-old stepson Zachary Rowe were pronounced dead on the scene. 6 other people were injured in a head-on crash.
Just around midnight, a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt that was driven by Andrus, crossed the middle lines and hit a 2012 Jeep Wrangler head-on.
Of the 6 injured, three were taken by LifeFlight and 3 remain at SOMC.
The accident happened on Rt 73 near Primrose Lane.
Rt 73 was closed until about 5:30, this morning.
The accident remains under investigation. SCDN will update this story as details become available.
Update: More details have been made public. Among the injured were a 5 and 6 year old (said not to be in car seats). Also, a 19 year old from the other vehicle were the 3 victims that were given Life Flight.
SOMC has not released the condition of the 3 remaining patients in their care.
Update #2: On 9/23 at 8:21 pm, Brittany Stiers posted these pictures along with the quote: Prayers for my baby brothers. They were in the car crash and the youngest, Emilio had to have brain surgery. Blaze had to have hip surgery and a cast put on his arm. I hope you guys get better soon. Sissy loves you Blaze and Emilio.
UPDATE 9/24 8:46am
Statements from Northwest School District
Yesterday, professional counselors, mobilized by the Scioto County Crisis Response Team, came to Northwest Elementary to help our students and staff process through our initial reactions to the tragedy that struck our community. We will continue to offer additional counseling support as long as needed. Parents and guardians, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Shannon (NES School Counselor), Mr. Tipton or Mr. Martin (NES Principals) at 740-259-2250 if you believe your child needs focused support to help deal with this loss.
The counselors on hand were extremely complimentary of our students and staff yesterday. They said that our kiddos were unbelievably compassionate and supportive to one another. We are proud of our students and grateful for the families who teach them to show such kindness. Thank you!
If you or anyone you know experiences a mental health or addiction related crisis, please call the 24 Hour Crisis Hotline at 740-354-1010 Toll after 1-855-381-1010 OR Text 4hope to 741741
They followed with this post at 9:08pm
Update: 9/28/2019 10:36 am
Several new updates have come to light. Also, several questions.
The most significant revelation, according to sources, the children had just recently been returned to the mother, Tiffany Andrus. The Department of Children's Services returned custody of the children with the understanding that they would NOT be in the company of Michael Andrus.
One of the children reported to a Northwest School employee that they were, in fact, in contact with Andrus. According to statements, Northwest (as mandated reporters) contacted the Scioto County Sheriff's office.
According to the Court records, on 9/05/19, a warrant was issued for Andrus for failing to report to probation. He evaded capture when the Sheriff's office attempted to locate and place him into custody, following the report from Northwest. This was attached to his case #18CR001026: AGGRAVATED POSSESSION OF DRUGS (Felony 5th Degree). You may click the case number to review the public documents.
In addition, Andrus was convicted and sentenced on Theft charges in 2017. (Case # 17CR000092 ) He also violated probation and was arrested again 11/30/2018. We are told, he had no Driver's Licence and the vehicle (owned by Tiffany Andrus) was not insured.
The remaining children (one of whom is wheelchair bound) has been placed in the custody of a grandmother who is already caring for 2 elderly and bed-ridden parents in a small mobile home, the sources report.
To summarize: Multiple sources confirmed that Children's Services returned the children to Tiffany Andrus with the caveat they would not be in contact with Michael Andrus.
Northwest reported that the children were, in fact, in the company of Michael Andrus and a warrant was issued on 9/05, which he evaded capture.
Children's Services did NOT intervene at that point. However, AFTER the horrific incident that claimed one child's life (another has never regained consciousness and remains very critical) they placed the surviving children with a grandparent who is already caring for two other bedridden adults.
Children's Services has another DEAD CHILD on their watch. Plus, one in grave medical condition and a third with multiple injuries and surgeries resulting from the car wreck.
(Editorial)
Every single school has participated in fundraising for this family. Where is that money going and who is managing it? The funeral expense has already been paid to McKinley Funeral Home for both Andrus and the child by an anonymous donor. The remaining children have been removed from Tiffany Andrus. What and Who are all of these donations supporting? Where is the accountability?
Finally, what about the four young people in the Jeep? Their lives are forever impacted. They were returning home from a concert (abiding by the law). They were hit by an unlicensed, uninsured driver that should not have been on the road. Where is their fundraiser? Who pays their doctor bills? Who replaces their vehicle? Why are there crickets when it comes to these law-abiding citizens?
Children's Services has much to explain. The community needs to consider the physical, financial, and long term mental impact of the victims in the Jeep. Where are their donations? Where are their public proclamations of support?
09/28/19 3:32 pm
There have been many negative comments on our Facebook group. Victim bashing? Who, exactly are the victims? The children and the young people in the Jeep. Michael Andrus is NOT a victim. He is responsible for these deaths and injuries. We report the TRUTH and shine a light in the darkness.
Of course, people are grief stricken. I advocate for the victims. The actual victims. Just recently, a man shot 2 people and then himself on Rt 32. People easily separated the victims from the person that killed them.
In this case, Michael Andrus was not to be with the children and (according to sources) did not have a valid license to drive.
Both tragedies had 1) Victims and 2) a Criminal. There is no difference. Grieve for the lost and tend to the wounded. Our Creator will handle the other two.
Michael Andrus should have been sitting in jail on 9/5/19 when the warrant was issued. Then, EVERYONE would be alive and well.
9/30/19 8:52pm
The benefit and burden of reporting on this type of situation is that our sources are very specific and the detractors are vague. As promised, in our mission statement in the description of the Facebook Group, if we report something in error, we will happily retract and amend. This is a personal and business pledge.
That said, I am withdrawing my condemnation of Children's Services. Information has come to light and I apologize for pointing that finger. There are some factors that they are dealing with that has their hands tied. I did not know these facts at the time or I would have certainly included them. They are abundantly clear to me now and (as promised) I retract my strong words.
Next, it is CRUCIAL to note we use verified source information. Unlike the recent New York Times report (that had to retract an entire national smear story on a Supreme Court Judge) our audience needs to trust our reporting.
Also, if there are facts that we have missed, please reach out to me. It is my duty and privilege to amend or add to the facts of this story. It is not local gossip. It has become a regional and interstate discussion.
Finally, we have had double confirmation that the donations made through the schools and official means, are being managed by a 3rd party. This is an answer to a major question we raised. We are happy to report those donations are being managed with the children in mind.
Update 10/01 at 10:32 am
With this update we will close this story. Mr. Hoyme is in charge of overseeing the donations made through official channels. If you want to continue to make contributions, please make them to him.
We have information about monies that may have been given to the mother. Please make sure Mr. Hoyme receives any donations. We applaud him for his efforts during this difficult time.
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