Deadly Short North crash remains under investigation

Investigators are still working to determine what caused a driver to leave the roadway and crash into pedestrians and parked vehicles outside the Kroger in the Short North , killing one person and critically injuring another. The crash happened just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of High Street and 7th Avenue. According to Columbus police, a Ford Mustang left the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation. The vehicle struck two people walking on the sidewalk before crashing into several parked vehicles in the Kroger parking lot. Three people were taken to the hospital. One of the pedestrians later died. The second pedestrian remains in critical condition. A person inside one of the parked vehicles was also injured and is expected to survive. On Thursday, the scene still showed signs of the violent crash, with shattered glass, a bent bike rack and debris scattered across the parking lot. People who walk through the area every day said the crash has them thinking differently about their own safety. "I'm out here every day, like my head on a swivel," said Wade W., who frequently walks along High Street. "I'm consistent watching around trying to make sure there's nothing that's going to jump the curb and hit me on the regular." Police have not announced whether the driver will face any charges. While investigators initially said impairment was among the factors being investigated, the driver's girlfriend disputed that. "He wasn't intoxicated. He doesn't do drugs, he doesn't drink, he didn't do any of that," Alissa Harper said. "He's just tired. He's been working a lot." ABC 6 asked Columbus police Thursday whether the driver could face charges and whether the critically injured pedestrian's condition had changed. Police responded, "We do not have any updates to share at this time," adding that any future information will be released when detectives are ready. The identity of the person who died has not been released. Police have also not identified the surviving victims, citing Marsy's Law. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Columbus police.