A 33-year-old Mexican national, identified as Alvaro Uribe-Gonzalez, has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and operating a vehicle without a valid license in connection with a fatal crash that killed 23-year-old Cameron Lyon in Fairfield County, Ohio. Uribe-Gonzalez, who federal officials state had illegally re-entered the U.S. after a prior deportation, allegedly drove drunk, veering off the highway and into oncoming traffic on Sunday evening.
The crash occurred on U.S. Route 33 when Uribe-Gonzalez's eastbound SUV reportedly overturned into the westbound lanes, colliding with Lyon's vehicle. Lyon, a newly engaged teacher, was pronounced dead at the scene. His fiancée, 23-year-old Abrielle Kerns, who was a passenger in his vehicle, sustained serious injuries and remained in intensive care.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Uribe-Gonzalez first entered the U.S. illegally in January 2020 and was subsequently ordered removed by an immigration judge on January 11, 2020. He was deported to Mexico in April 2020. Federal officials indicate he later crossed back into the U.S. at an unspecified time and location.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer with the Fairfield County Jail, requesting that local authorities not release Uribe-Gonzalez before federal agents can take him into custody for removal proceedings. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Uribe-Gonzalez should not have been in the country and that his actions led to the tragic death of Lyon.
Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy commented on the incident, calling it a preventable tragedy and vowing to address such issues if elected. Lyon was remembered by his family and community as a cherished son, brother, and friend who had recently begun his teaching career at Crestline Exempted Schools. He and Kerns had recently become engaged and were renovating a family home together.
Community members and local businesses have organized fundraisers to support Lyon's family and assist Kerns with her medical bills and recovery. The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
