Sheriff’s Deputy Nickolas Golden and Patrick O’Neal Seriously Injured after Collision with Semi-Truck Driven by Stephanie Cardenaz on Interstate 71

Quick Facts

Where: Interstate 71, near Columbus, OH

What Happened: Deputy Nickolas Golden and Patrick O’Neal were seriously injured after Stephanie Cardenaz lost control of her semi-truck and crashed into them

Participants:

• Deputy Nickolas Golden
• Patrick O’Neal
• Stephanie Cardenaz

Reported Injuries/Fatalities:

• Deputy Nickolas Golden, Serious Injuries
• Patrick O’Neal, Serious Injuries
• Stephanie Cardenaz, Minor Injuries

Details

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy Nickolas Golden and Patrick O’Neal were both injured when Stephanie Cardenaz reportedly lost control of her semi-truck on the early morning of Thursday, December 5, 2024 while driving south on Interstate 71. Deputy Golden was pulled over assisting O’Neal, whose Toyota Camry was on the side of the road due to a previous unrelated accident. Two Sheriff’s cars were present, with their emergency lights running, when Cardenaz collided with the vehicles. Deputy Golden and O’Neal were taken to Grant Medical Center for their injuries, and it is reported Cardenaz sought medical attention as well.