Mom Says It's a 'Miracle' Her Daughter Survived Ohio Crash That Killed 1, But the Road to Recovery Will Be Long

Mar. 15, 2025

Ohio State Route 28.Photo:Google Maps

Google Maps

An Ohio mom is speaking out after her 40-year-old daughter survived a fatal car crash earlier this month.

Deitz mother Virginia Sallee said in an interview withNBC affiliate WLWTthat her night was “turned upside down” when she was notified of the crash on theLife 360 app, which she said her daughter “insisted we all be on.”

According to the crash report, the minor was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was taken to the Hamilton County Coroner.

The crash is currently under investigation.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for additional information.

Deitz mother Virginia Sallee said in an interview withNBC affiliate WLWTthat her evening was “turned upside down” when she was notified of the crash through the Life 360 app, which she said her daughter “insisted we all be on.”

Sallee noted that her daughter “always worried that somebody be in an accident and nobody would know. It turned out that she was the one in the accident.”

WLWT reported that the two victims were hit “head-on” during the incident. The 40-year-old woman broke her back and had stomach lacerations, while her boyfriend injured his foot and had a portion of his intestines removed, according to the outlet.

“It is absolute miracle,” Sallee said. “If they had not had their seatbelts on, neither one of them would have been here.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“We are grateful to God they are both alive. Both Jake and Sabrina have long healing journeys ahead of them,” the description read, noting that the fundraiser, which has raised $1,475 of the $10,000 goal, will go towards medical and personal needs for Demaris.

source: people.com