A fatal crash in Pickaway County on Wednesday morning has left a 70-year-old man dead, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near the community of Orient and prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
Sheriff Matthew Hafey reported that emergency dispatchers received a call at approximately 10:41 a.m. regarding a serious collision involving multiple vehicles. The crash happened along U.S. Route 62, a roadway that sees steady traffic through the area. When deputies arrived, they discovered that the wreck involved a Dodge Ram pickup, a semi-truck, and a Subaru.
Investigators determined that the Dodge Ram was being driven by David Shannon, a resident of the area who was traveling along the highway at the time of the crash. According to the sheriff’s account, Shannon attempted to pass another vehicle while driving on a stretch of the roadway that was not clear for safe passing. During the attempt, his pickup entered the oncoming lane and collided head-on with an approaching semi-truck.
The force of the collision caused significant damage and set off a chain reaction. The semi-truck, after being hit, lost its left front tire and veered across the center line. As the large vehicle swerved, it sideswiped a Subaru that had been traveling eastbound. The Subaru then struck a utility pole, finally coming to rest after the impact.
Emergency medical teams from the Sterling Joint Ambulance District arrived shortly afterward and assessed those involved. Sadly, Shannon was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted that his injuries were too severe for life-saving measures to be effective.
The condition of the semi-truck driver and the Subaru driver was not immediately available. Authorities have not yet released further details about whether they sustained serious injuries or required hospitalization. As of the latest update, investigators were still working to gather information about their status.
Law enforcement officers closed portions of the roadway for an extended period while they conducted a detailed crash reconstruction. Deputies examined vehicle positions, roadway markings, and other physical evidence to determine the precise sequence of events. Motorists in the area experienced delays as crews worked to clear debris and ensure the roadway was safe to reopen.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains active. Detectives will review witness statements, roadway conditions, and other relevant factors as they work to complete their report. No charges have been discussed, as the primary individual believed to have caused the collision did not survive.
Community members in Orient and surrounding areas expressed sadness at the news, as fatal crashes along this section of U.S. 62 have occurred in the past. Authorities continue to remind drivers to exercise caution when attempting to pass other vehicles, especially on rural highways where visibility can change quickly and opposing traffic may approach faster than expected.
As the investigation continues, further updates may be released once officials are able to confirm more information about the other drivers involved. For now, the Sheriff’s Office is focused on completing its review of the incident and ensuring that all aspects of the crash are thoroughly documented.
