New Springfield, OH (December 8, 2024) – A tragic head-on car crash occurred on the evening of Friday on U.S. Route 422 in Pulaski, leaving several members of a local family severely injured. The crash involved Kayla Freed, her 6-year-old son, Steven Desimone, and her two brothers, 13-year-old Payton and 5-year-old Destin. The car was hit head-on by another driver, sparking a devastating fire shortly after the collision.

According to authorities, emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and the fire department assisted in extracting the family members from the wreckage. A passerby stopped to help, pulling Kayla Freed from the burning car moments before it became engulfed in flames. Her son, Steven, and her younger brothers, Payton and Destin, were also rescued but sustained significant injuries.

Kayla Freed suffered broken bones and lost part of her intestine. Steven Desimone endured a brain bleed and a collapsed lung. Destin, the 5-year-old, is now paralyzed from the waist down, and Payton suffered a broken wrist.

The victims were transported to local hospitals: Steven and Kayla were rushed to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, while Destin and Payton were taken to Akron Children’s Hospital. The family is facing a long and difficult recovery, with concerns about ongoing physical therapy and care.

Our thoughts are with the Freed family during this incredibly challenging time. We wish them strength and comfort in their recovery.

Injury Car Accidents on the Rise in New Springfield

New Springfield, OH - Head-On Crash on US-422 Results in Serious Injuries

New Springfield has seen a rise in car accidents, with Springfield itself reporting at least 14 incidents in 2023, many causing serious injuries. Ohio, as a whole, faced over 1,100 fatalities and thousands of injury-related crashes in 2022. Despite efforts to improve road safety, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield continue to pose major risks.

If you’re involved in a car accident, immediately call the police, document the scene, and seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Springfield car accident, a knowledgeable Ohio car accident attorney from The Attkisson Law Firm is prepared to help. With a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, The Attkisson Law Firm offers personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.

To speak with an attorney about your serious New Springfield car accident, call The Attkisson Law Firm at (937) 276-9700 to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is equipped to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are vigorously defended.

Note: Our team of writers utilizes a variety of external sources to gather information to produce this post. These sources range from news outlets and local and state police reports to social media posts, eyewitness accounts, and other relevant data concerning accidents in Dayton and throughout Ohio. While we strive for accuracy, we do not independently verify the facts surrounding these injury accidents. If you discover any inaccuracies in our reports, please inform us immediately. We are committed to correcting errors promptly. Additionally, we will consider removing a story if requested. 

Disclaimer: For many years, the attorneys at Attkisson Law Firm have dedicated themselves to assisting injured accident victims and their families throughout Ohio. We want to encourage everyone to slow down and operate motor vehicles with caution. Please note this post is not an attempt to solicit business. The information provided herein should not be considered medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photograph accompanying this post was not taken at the accident scene.