On November 24, 2025, a terrible vehicle accident in northeast Columbus took the life of 20-year-old TaMya Shawntee Barnett, shaking Ohio. The collision happened soon after 2:45 a.m. close to Easton Town Center, at the junction of Stelzer Road and Codet Road.
When paramedics from the Columbus Division of Police arrived, they discovered that the car had lost control, drove off the right side of the road, and collided with an electric pole.
The driver, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was hospitalized for treatment. TaMya, a passenger, was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries at 3:23 a.m. The CPD Accident Investigation Unit processed the scene, confirming no other vehicles were involved. Toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing probe.
Authorities have appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage to clarify the circumstances. Anyone with information is urged to contact Columbus Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS for anonymous tips. The incident underscores the dangers of early-morning drives in urban areas.
TaMya Shawntee Barnett grew up in Columbus’s diverse neighborhoods, where family traditions and school activities nurtured her outgoing spirit from childhood. She graduated from Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in 2023, excelling in art classes that highlighted her creative talent. These early years shaped a young woman whose enthusiasm for life drew friends close.
TaMya balanced studies with part-time work at a local café, where her warm smile earned loyal customers. She volunteered at community murals, channeling her artistic passion into projects celebrating Columbus’s heritage. Her professional path reflected determination amid the city’s vibrant educational landscape.
TaMya’s world revolved around her devoted family, where she cherished her role as daughter and sister, filling weekends with shared meals and drives along the Scioto River. She offered unwavering support during milestones, her home a hub of laughter in Linden’s welcoming rhythms. Though her time ended abruptly, TaMya Shawntee Barnett’s legacy of creativity inspires Columbus to embrace expression and hold loved ones near.