Former Cambridge Bobcat Softball Player, Samantha Robertson, 25, Dies in Tragic Thanksgiving Weekend Crash Near Columbus
Rest easy, Sam. Cambridge won’t be the same without you.
NewsReshmaDecember 2, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on December 2, 2026
The Cambridge, Ohio, community is mourning the unexpected death of 25-year-old Samantha Robertson in a multi-vehicle crash near Columbus on November 29, 2026.
Samantha, a 2018 Cambridge High School graduate and former Bobcat softball player, was riding with her boyfriend’s family when the vehicle they were in was involved in a fatal collision.
The crash claimed three lives that night: Samantha, Jill (Bichard) Rios, and Jill’s husband of 20 years, Luis Rios.
Their youngest son, Luis “Lu” Rios Jr., survived the wreck with serious injuries and underwent surgery Sunday for a severely broken leg.
He remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.
The tragic announcement came Sunday morning through a heartfelt Facebook post by family member Ammie Holmes:
“On Saturday night, 11/29/2026, our family experienced an immense tragedy. We lost our beautiful daughter, mother, sister, niece, aunt, cousin and friend Jill (Bichard) Rios and her husband of 20 years, Luis Rios, in a tragic car accident outside of Columbus Ohio. Also with them was their son and his girlfriend, Samantha Robertson, who also lost her life… Please keep the family in your prayers as we go through this difficult time.”
Via FacebookThe crash was one of eight fatal wrecks investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol over the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend (November 26–30, 2026), a period that sadly saw 11 roadway deaths across the state.
Born May 25, 2000, in Columbus to Bradley and Rebecca (Emans) Lafollette, Samantha grew up in Cambridge alongside her three brothers, Nick, Jack, and Logan.
Everyone who knew her called her “Sammy” or “Sam,” and those who did remember her infectious smile and kind heart.
At Cambridge High School, Sam was an active member of the Bobcat Marching Band and a dedicated softball player.
After graduating in 2018, she poured her energy into building a life for herself and her young son.
She rose through the ranks at Little Caesars, eventually becoming a General Manager overseeing stores in both Cambridge and Coshocton.
Friends say she took pride in her work and was the kind of boss who always had your back.
But nothing lit up Sam’s world like her 6-year-old son, Rickey Black (born 2019). “She was an amazing mother and would do anything for her little boy,” one family friend shared.
Whether she was baking his favorite treats or simply spending quiet evenings at home, Rickey was the center of her universe.
Since the news came out, social media has been filled with memories and tributes.
Former classmate Skyler Calvert wrote:
“This is so sad!! My heart hurts for her family, especially her son. I have known Sam since elementary school. She was the sweetest person I knew in school. She will be missed by so many!”
Via FacebookLongtime friend Joey McFee showed:
“Praying for all of our friends, family and the son of Sam Robertson. We’re all going to miss you! I’ve been thinking about all the times all of us would hangout; we had some of the best times that brought all of our friends group together… This unexpected tragedy has us all at a loss for words and makes us realize you never know when it’s going to be someone’s last day.”
Via FacebookVisitation for Samantha Robertson will be held Thursday, December 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave., Zanesville.
The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor John Rinehart officiating. Burial will take place afterward at Williams Cemetery.
Samantha is survived by her beloved son, Rickey Black; her parents, Bradley and Rebecca Lafollette; her brothers, Nick, Jack, and Logan; and a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored her.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that people simply hold their loved ones a little closer and drive safely, especially during the holiday season.
Rest easy, Sam. Cambridge won’t be the same without you. ❤️
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