Victims killed in Mill Creek crash identified by families

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CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Families have identified three of the four people killed when a car went into Mill Creek near the Western Hills Viaduct on Saturday.

Cincinnati police say four people were killed and one person was injured when the vehicle hit a guardrail before ending up in the creek.

Victims identified

Kimberly Tapplar is grieving the loss of her son, 22-year-old Demarco Tapplar, who went by Marco. The Withrow High School graduate is one of the four people killed.

“I was his world. I am a nurse at Christ. I just feel like out of all of the lives I have saved, I wasn’t there to save my son. I came up a little bit too short,” Kimberly Tapplar, Demarco’s mother, said.

Derrius Tapplar, Demarco’s nephew, said he has a fun memory with his uncle.

“I love him so much. Do you have a fun memory with him? Yes, when he took me to a car meet,” Derrius Tapplar said.

“He was the light, very mannerly, very respectful kid. Had the smile of all outdoors, very ambitious, a young entrepreneur,” Kimberly Tapplar said.

Nineteen-year-old Ja’Vae Thomas was also killed in the crash.

“He’s just a natural bright light. He’s just himself. He liked to have fun,” Jayzon Thomas, Ja’Vae’s brother, said.

Ja’Vae graduated from Winton Woods High School in 2025.

“One thing I can say about Ja’Vae is he lived his life exactly how he wanted to live his life. Like he did exactly what he wanted to do and that’s exactly how I want him to be remembered,” Sheena Coates, Ja’Vae’s mother, said.

One person survived

Cincinnati police say the vehicle struck a guardrail before going into the creek. One person survived. Video shows the survivor waiting for help on top of the car and trying to get help from people passing by.

“Did you see this happen?” a dispatcher asked.

“No, she’s waving cars down from the viaduct. I was on the bus,” the caller responded.

“You’re okay, love; they’re coming. Just stay right there,” the dispatcher said.

“She’s very banged up, bruised up, walking with a limp, she can’t walk straight, but she’s very traumatized,” Tracey Jones, the surviving victim’s mother, said.

Fourth victim identified

Another victim has been identified by family as 18-year-old Demonte Brady Jr. He is described by his relatives as a caring person and a loving father, son, brother and friend.

“They loved each other and they went out with each other,” Sheena Coates said.

The identity of the fourth victim has not been released at this time.

Coates says she has not yet been notified of her son’s death. Coates’ family also says they would like to see better signage in the area alerting drivers that the road ends.

Cincinnati police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

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