Hamilton County officials confirmed the identities of the four men who died when their vehicle entered Mill Creek near the end of Queen City Avenue in the South Fairmount area on Saturday evening. The coroner’s office released the names on Tuesday morning: 19‑year‑old Javae Thomas, 22‑year‑old Demarco Tappler, 18‑year‑old Demonte Brady Jr., and 21‑year‑old Khiel Ivory.
According to police, the vehicle traveling on Queen City Avenue veered off the road and fell down an embankment that separates the roadway from the creek. The impact caused the car to overturn and come to rest upside down in the water. First‑responders arrived after a 911 call was placed roughly an hour after the vehicle had become submerged.
Rescue efforts and survivor
Upon reaching the scene, emergency crews discovered that one occupant had managed to escape the submerged vehicle. The survivor used a small portion of the car that remained above the waterline to stand on until responders arrived. That individual was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the crash.
The remaining three occupants were unable to exit the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office is conducting standard autopsies and will release further details as the investigation proceeds.
Recent Mill Creek incidents
This tragedy follows at least two other rescue operations in the Mill Creek corridor earlier this summer. Those incidents, which occurred near the Western Hills Viaduct, involved vehicles that became stuck in the water but resulted in no fatalities.
Local officials continue to monitor the safety of the Mill Creek area, especially where roadways run close to the waterway. No official statements have been made regarding potential changes to road design or signage at this time.
Ongoing investigation
Police have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet released information about possible factors such as speed, driver impairment, or mechanical failure. The investigation remains active, and investigators are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Hamilton County Police Department.
The community mourns the loss of four young lives and extends condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Local churches and service organizations have offered support services for those affected.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
