The Zanesville community is grieving the tragic loss of Robert Murgatroyd, 50, who lost his life in a devastating three-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Muskingum County on Friday morning. The sudden accident has left family members, friends, and loved ones heartbroken as they come to terms with the loss of a man whose life touched many people throughout the community.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:33 a.m. on June 5 near milepost 151 in Falls Township. Investigators reported that Ray Guntrum, 33, of New Stanton, Pennsylvania, was traveling westbound in a 2008 Kia Rondo when the vehicle experienced a flat tire. Authorities said Guntrum attempted to move into the median but lost control of the vehicle and re-entered the roadway. The Kia then struck a 2017 Ford F-150 driven by Robert Murgatroyd.
The impact of the collision set off a chain reaction that quickly turned deadly. Troopers said Murgatroyd’s pickup truck was forced into the right lane, where it collided with a 2014 International semi-truck driven by Danny Dickson, 69, of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Following the second impact, the pickup traveled off the left side of the interstate and overturned. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Murgatroyd was pronounced dead at the scene by the Muskingum County Coroner.
The tragic loss has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. While official reports focus on the events leading up to the crash, family and friends are remembering much more than the accident itself. They remember a man whose presence brought comfort, friendship, and support to those around him. His passing serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious every moment with loved ones truly is.
Authorities confirmed that neither Ray Guntrum nor Danny Dickson reported injuries as a result of the crash. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and no charges have been announced. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is working to determine all factors that contributed to the collision as part of its ongoing investigation.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including Falls Township Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Muskingum County Coroner’s Office. Westbound Interstate 70 was reduced to one lane for several hours while emergency personnel responded, investigated the crash, and cleared the roadway before all lanes reopened around 3 p.m. As the community mourns, thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Robert Murgatroyd. Though his life ended far too soon, his memory will continue to live on through the people he loved, the friendships he built, and the lasting impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him.
