Kyle Hensley Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Clinton County on Monday afternoon left one man dead after a collision involving two vehicles, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP). Authorities reported that the crash occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. on State Route 132, near its intersection with State Route 133 in Vernon Township. The two-lane stretch of highway, surrounded by rural farmland, became the site of a deadly impact that halted traffic and drew a significant emergency response.
Investigators said the crash involved a 1988 Chevrolet GMT400 pickup truck and a Ford F-650 commercial truck. According to preliminary findings, the Chevrolet was headed northeast along State Route 132 when, for reasons still under review, the driver crossed over the center line. The pickup then collided head-on with the Ford truck, which had been traveling in the opposite direction.
The violent collision forced both vehicles into dangerous positions. Officials said the Chevrolet came to rest in the middle of the roadway, while the Ford truck veered off the west side of the highway and stopped on the shoulder. Emergency responders quickly arrived to assess the situation.
The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as 45-year-old Kyle Hensley of Clarksville. Despite life-saving efforts, Hensley succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clinton County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the occupants of the Ford F-650—a driver and a passenger—escaped without injuries. Their names have not been released, but OSP noted they were evaluated at the scene and did not require hospitalization.
Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances that caused the Chevrolet to drift left of center. They are examining factors such as road conditions, mechanical issues, and whether speed, distraction, or impairment may have played a role. As of now, no definitive cause has been announced.
The crash prompted an extended closure of State Route 132 near the intersection with State Route 133 as crews worked to clear the wreckage and conduct their investigation. Traffic was diverted for several hours before the roadway was reopened to drivers.
Alongside the Ohio State Highway Patrol, several agencies assisted at the scene. The Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District provided emergency support, while the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) helped manage road closures and reroute traffic. The Clinton County Coroner’s Office handled the fatality investigation and confirmed Hensley’s identity.
Monday’s accident underscores the dangers of head-on collisions, which remain among the most severe types of crashes on rural highways. The two-lane configuration of State Route 132 offers little margin for error when a vehicle crosses the center line, often resulting in catastrophic outcomes.
Local residents familiar with the area said the intersection of State Routes 132 and 133 has long been considered a risky spot for drivers. The mix of commercial vehicles and passenger cars using the highway increases the potential for accidents. In this case, the commercial truck’s larger size may have spared its occupants while worsening the outcome for the driver of the smaller Chevrolet pickup.
The loss of Kyle Hensley has deeply affected those who knew him in Clarksville and surrounding communities. At 45, he was in the prime of his life, and his sudden death has left family and friends grieving. Community members expressed condolences on social media, offering support to his loved ones in the wake of the tragedy.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized that their investigation is ongoing. They urged motorists to remain cautious on two-lane highways, where even a brief lapse in attention can have deadly consequences. Troopers said additional information will be released once their inquiry into the cause of the crash is complete.
For now, the community mourns the life lost while awaiting answers from investigators tasked with piecing together the events that led to the fatal collision on State Route 132.
