Michael Corey, executive director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, remains hospitalized in stable condition after suffering serious injuries in a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 670 in Columbus. The crash claimed the life of his 2-year-old son, Theodore “Teddy” Corey, whose family says became an organ donor and helped save the lives of at least two other children.
According to the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, Teddy died on July 19 from injuries he sustained in the July 15 collision. The organization shared that the toddler’s decision to become an organ donor has already given hope to other families facing unimaginable circumstances.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:47 a.m. on July 15 along Interstate 670 West near mile marker 6, just before the ramp to Interstate 270 North and Stelzer Road, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Authorities said the crash involved four vehicles during morning traffic.
A police crash report states that Corey was driving a Honda Accord in the left lane behind two other vehicles that had slowed to a near stop because of traffic congestion ahead. Investigators say a 2016 Toyota 4Runner, driven by 31-year-old Daniel Raffe-Ocando of Columbus, struck the rear of Corey’s vehicle at highway speed, triggering a chain-reaction collision.
According to the report, Raffe-Ocando told officers he had briefly looked down at his vehicle’s touchscreen before looking back up and realizing he did not have enough time to stop. Police said he was following too closely when the collision occurred.
The impact pushed Corey’s vehicle into the Chevrolet Equinox in front of him, which was then forced into another vehicle ahead. After the collision, Corey’s Honda Accord came to rest in the second lane from the right, while the Toyota 4Runner overturned onto its side.
Emergency crews transported Corey to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in critical condition. Teddy was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
Raffe-Ocando and the driver of the Chevrolet Equinox, a 31-year-old woman, were also transported to Grant Medical Center in stable condition. The driver of the fourth vehicle, a 33-year-old man from Jefferson Township, was not injured.
In a statement released by the family, they remembered Teddy as a joyful child whose love and curiosity touched everyone around him.
“Our beloved Teddy lived in wide-eyed wonder at life itself,” the family said. “He relished playing with cars, eating ice cream with his whole face, and being surrounded by family. But more than anything, he adored his big brother and favorite teacher, Elijah, who showered him with kisses, playtime, lessons, and laughter from the day he was born.”
The family also reflected on Teddy’s legacy through organ donation.
“Teddy knew and gave love that is warm, all-encompassing, and without abandon—the kind that changes the world,” the statement continued. “We are proud that he became a life-saving hero to other children and families.”
As Corey continues his recovery, the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County said it remains committed to carrying on its work while supporting its executive director and his family during an extraordinarily difficult time. Community members have continued to express their condolences and support for the Corey family as they mourn the loss of Teddy while hoping for Michael Corey’s continued recovery.
