On November 24, 2025, TaMya Shawntee Barnett, 20, died in a single-vehicle collision in the northeast of Columbus, shattering the city. The collision happened just after 2:45 a.m. close to Easton Town Center, at the intersection of Stelzer Road and Codet Road. When paramedics from the Columbus Division of Police arrived, they discovered that the vehicle had gone off the road and collided with an electric pole.
TaMya, a passenger in the vehicle, was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 3:23 a.m. The driver, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was hospitalized for treatment. No other vehicles were involved, and the CPD Accident Investigation Unit processed the scene, appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage.
The early-morning incident happened during a time when many are commuting, highlighting road safety concerns in busy areas like this. Toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing probe, with no charges filed yet. Authorities emphasize the importance of caution on urban highways.
TaMya grew up in Columbus’s Linden neighborhood, where family traditions and school activities nurtured her creative spirit from childhood. She graduated from Linden-McKinley STEM Academy in 2023, excelling in art classes that showcased her talent for drawing and design. These early years shaped a young woman whose enthusiasm for expression drew others near.
As a recent student at Columbus State Community College pursuing graphic design, TaMya balanced classes 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 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.