Darke County, Ohio — The community is mourning the tragic and untimely loss of Ashlee Holmes, 17, who lost her life Monday night in a devastating crash along State Route 47. Her passing has left family members, classmates, friends, and neighbors heartbroken as they struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young life filled with promise and possibility.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, driven by Tarsem Singh, 33, of Union City, was traveling westbound on SR-47 while being pursued by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary findings indicate the Land Rover crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 2016 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 35-year-old woman from Union City, Indiana. The impact caused catastrophic damage and set off a chain of events that ultimately claimed Ashlee’s life.
Following the collision, the Land Rover traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned, and came to rest back in the roadway. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and worked urgently amid the wreckage, but despite lifesaving efforts, Ashlee succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash. Officials have not yet released additional details as they work to piece together the events that led to the tragic collision.
As news of Ashlee Holmes’ passing spread, an outpouring of grief and support filled the community. Loved ones remember her as a bright and compassionate young woman whose smile could light up a room. Friends describe her as kind-hearted, loyal, and full of dreams for the future — a teenager who cherished time with family, valued her friendships, and embraced life with youthful energy and hope.
Her loss is being felt deeply in classrooms, homes, and throughout the community, where she was known not only for her warmth and kindness but also for her resilience and caring spirit. Those who knew her say she had a way of making others feel welcome and valued, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
In the wake of this tragedy, community members are rallying around Ashlee’s family, offering prayers, condolences, and support as they navigate an unimaginable loss. Vigils and tributes are being planned as friends and loved ones seek comfort together while honoring her memory.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
As the community grieves, Ashlee Holmes will be remembered for the light she brought into the world, the love she shared with those around her, and the future she was just beginning to shape. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.