It was just past 11 p.m. on Friday night when a routine drive across western Columbus turned fatal for 19-year-old Aaden Owen Elswick. He was traveling down Roberts Road near Potts Place when an oncoming sedan pulled directly into his path. The sudden turn triggered a hard collision that threw Aaden out of his vehicle onto the street.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and rushed Aaden to a nearby trauma center in critical condition. Doctors worked frantically to save the teenager, but his injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead shortly after reaching the hospital.
For Aaden’s family and friends, the sudden loss has brought overwhelming grief. At just 19 years old, he had his whole life ahead of him, filled with dreams, plans, and everyday moments with the people who loved him most.
Two other people involved in the two-car wreck were also hurt. Emergency responders loaded them into ambulances and transported them to local emergency rooms. Authorities have not yet released updates on their current conditions.
Out on Roberts Road, traffic investigators spent hours under floodlights mapping out tire marks and vehicle positions. The crash happened right at the intersection with Potts Place, a spot where drivers often have to gauge fast-moving traffic coming down the stretch.
Police say the westbound sedan cut across the oncoming lane to make the left turn onto Potts Place, putting both vehicles on a direct collision course. The force of the strike ripped through both cars, leaving heavy wreckage strewn across the roadway.
Those who knew Aaden are now holding tight to the memories he created during his 19 years. Small informal tributes and shared stories are helping loved ones cope with an empty space that words cannot fill.
The Columbus Division of Police continues to piece together the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash. Anyone who witnessed the wreck or has information is asked to call investigators at 614-645-4767 or reach Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
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