A $100,000 reward is now available for information leading to the arrest of the driver responsible for killing a 25-year-old construction worker in a Columbus highway work zone. Jordan Thomas, employed by Kokosing Construction, died early on February 28, 2026, after a maroon Toyota sedan struck him and fled the scene.
Incident Details
The crash occurred around 2 a.m. on westbound Interstate 70 near State Route 315, just west of downtown Columbus, in a marked construction zone. Police reports indicate the early 2000s model Toyota entered the zone, swerved, hit a generator, then struck Thomas, who was pronounced dead at 2:12 a.m. The driver, described as a man, immediately fled, leaving the vehicle with suspected front-end damage.
Victim Background
Jordan Thomas, born April 5, 2000, graduated from Manchester High School and completed a Fire and Rescue Program at Portage County Vocational School before moving to Columbus for work with Kokosing. Originally from the Akron area, he is survived by parents Christina and Terry Greenwood of Pataskala, Royce and Stacey Cleveland of Cuyahoga Falls, siblings, grandparents, and extended family. Calling hours and a memorial service for Thomas were scheduled for March 7, 2026, at Sommerville Funeral Services in Akron.
Company Response and Reward
Kokosing Construction, partnering with Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, announced the substantial reward to “deliver justice for Jordan, his family, and our team.” The company described Thomas as a “beloved friend and valued team member” and emphasized worker safety as their top priority. No arrests have been made as of March 6, 2026, with the investigation ongoing.
How to Help
Authorities urge tips on the driver, vehicle, or incident to Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477 (anonymous line). Crime Stoppers ensures tip anonymity while allowing reward eligibility. The public is reminded to drive cautiously in work zones to prevent similar tragedies.