Joshua Braden Obituary, Death – A tragic accident on Interstate 75 in Sidney Friday afternoon left a Kentucky man dead after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck. The fatal crash occurred shortly before 3:45 p.m. in the northbound lanes near milepost 90, just south of Fair Road.
Authorities with the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the wreck happened as traffic began to slow because a vehicle was attempting to merge back onto the highway from the right shoulder. In response to the slowdown, 67-year-old Daniel Cross of Huber Heights reduced his speed while driving a red Ford F-150 in the left lane. At that moment, his truck was struck from behind by a blue Harley Davidson motorcycle ridden by 38-year-old Joshua Braden of Hodgenville, Kentucky.
The collision caused Braden to lose control of his motorcycle. His bike veered off the left side of the interstate, entered the median, hit a road construction sign, and overturned. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. Sidney paramedics transported Braden to Wilson Health hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Investigators noted that Braden was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. He had been traveling north with relatives, one of whom rode on a separate motorcycle, while another family member followed in a vehicle. Fortunately, no one else was hurt in the incident.
Troopers are still searching for the vehicle believed to have triggered the chain of events. Witnesses described it only as a white car or SUV that was seen merging from the shoulder. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the vehicle or captured dashcam footage to come forward and contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Piqua Post at 937-773-1131. Investigators believe information from other drivers may help provide crucial details about what led to the collision.
The crash caused significant traffic delays on the interstate. Both directions of I-75 were congested for nearly two hours as troopers examined the site, took measurements, and worked with crews to clear the wreckage. One northbound lane remained closed during that time, contributing to the backup.
Multiple agencies responded to assist with the scene. Sidney Fire and EMS, along with officers from the Sidney Police Department, supported the highway patrol in managing traffic, tending to the injured, and securing the area.
As the investigation continues, the Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized the importance of identifying the vehicle that merged back onto the road, as it may help determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash. The death of Braden serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of highway travel and the importance of protective gear, as officials noted he was not wearing a helmet at the time of impact.
For now, authorities continue piecing together the events of that afternoon, while Braden’s family mourns the devastating loss that occurred during what began as a routine trip along Interstate 75.
