IDs released on 4 killed in Warren Co.

HARVEYSBURG, Ohio (WDTN) - Four people were killed in an accident in Warren County Wednesday.

Officials said Benjamin Edwards, 26, of Lebanon, Rose Feltner, 22, of New Vienna, Brittany Gerondale, 26, of Morrow, and Jonathan Kroninger, 21, of Waynesville all died in the early morning crash.

"This is tragic news for any family and especially around the holidays," says Lt. Matt Hamilton with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. "It's not something you want to remember for your Thanksgiving for the rest of your life."

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers investigating told 2 NEWS the pick-up truck crashed in the 3200 block of Harveysburg Road and rolled over several times into a field.

The crash was so violent a mat from the truck involved was thrown into the branches of a tree.

"My son called me this morning and said he heard something that sounded like thunder," says Timothy Back, whose son lives in the home the truck nearly hit.

Troopers say the four had been playing cards at Kroninger's home.

Just before 5 a.m. they left but got less than a mile down the road.

Troopers wouldn't say which of the four was driving, but whoever it was lost control after going around a curve.

All four were tossed from the truck.

"I can tell you it was definitely high speed," Hamilton says. "The speed limit on this road is 55 miles an hour and they were well over that speed limit."

Troopers are also investigating whether the driver had been drinking.

Beer cans were among the football-field length trail of debris left behind by the crash.

"Some of the parties had been consuming alcohol into the early morning hours," Hamilton says.

A highway patrol helicopter was called in to take photos of the scene.

The crash was a close call for Back's son.

"I just thank God they didn't hit the house," Back says. "Everybody inside the house is safe."

But for family and friends of the victims, some of whom showed up at the crash scene, there was no such solace.

Troopers only hope it will save others from making the same mistake.

"You need to slow down, pay attention and have a designated driver," Hamilton says.