Sukanta Panda Obituary, Death – Authorities in Hamilton County have identified the individual who lost his life in a traffic incident involving a car and a tractor-trailer on the Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway earlier this week.
According to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, the victim was 76-year-old Sukanta Panda, a resident of West Chester Township. The crash occurred on Monday, November 3, and remains under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
A preliminary report from the sheriff’s office stated that Panda was traveling with a 71-year-old woman in a 2018 Lexus when they experienced a flat tire and stopped on the right shoulder of the highway. While the vehicle was stationary, a 2021 Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling along the same route struck the Lexus. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the side of the road.
Emergency responders from Sycamore Township and Blue Ash quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. Both Panda and his passenger were transported to Bethesda North Hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, Panda later passed away due to the injuries he sustained. The woman accompanying him was also hospitalized, though her identity and current condition have not been released to the public.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 59-year-old man, was likewise taken to Bethesda North Hospital. Officials reported that he suffered minor injuries and was later released after receiving medical attention. Authorities have not made the driver’s name public at this time.
Investigators confirmed that everyone involved in the crash had been wearing seatbelts, a fact that likely prevented even greater harm. The sheriff’s office also noted that speed and alcohol are not considered factors contributing to the incident. The focus of the investigation now centers on determining the precise sequence of events that led to the collision and whether mechanical issues or other road conditions played a role.
Local dispatch records indicate that multiple emergency response units were called to the site of the crash, located on a busy section of the Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway, a route that connects several key suburban areas in Hamilton County. The road was temporarily closed for cleanup and investigation but was reopened later that day after authorities completed their on-site work.
The loss of Panda, a longtime resident of West Chester Township, has deeply affected those who knew him. Friends and neighbors have described him as a kind and humble man who enjoyed helping others. Many expressed condolences to his family, noting how sudden and tragic the event was.
Authorities continue to gather evidence to reconstruct the collision, reviewing potential visibility issues, lighting conditions, and vehicle positioning at the time of the impact. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is leading the inquiry and has encouraged anyone with firsthand information or dashcam footage to come forward. They can contact the department at 513-825-1500 to assist investigators.
Tragic roadway incidents such as this serve as a reminder of the risks associated with stopping on the shoulder of major highways, even in cases of vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. Law enforcement officials often advise motorists to use extreme caution, stay as far away from active lanes as possible, and if necessary, exit the vehicle and move to a safe area while waiting for roadside assistance.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed, and authorities have not indicated whether any citations or legal actions will result from the crash. The findings of the sheriff’s office will determine any further steps once the review is complete.
The community continues to mourn the passing of Sukanta Panda, remembering him as a cherished member of West Chester Township whose life was cut short in a tragic highway accident.
