Authorities in Clark County are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a local man Sunday afternoon in the town of Sherwood. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 58-year-old Neil Pfeiffer died after his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree along Sherwood Road East. The fatal incident has left the small community shaken as officials continue working to understand what caused the crash.
According to investigators, the crash occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. as Pfeiffer was traveling westbound. For reasons not yet known, his vehicle veered off the roadway, entered a ditch, and overturned onto the driver’s side before colliding with a tree. Emergency crews responded immediately after receiving the call, but the severity of the crash left little that could be done. When deputies and medical personnel reached the scene, they found Pfeiffer inside the vehicle and determined he was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released details regarding what might have led the vehicle to leave the road. Single-vehicle crashes can occur due to numerous factors, including medical emergencies, distracted driving, mechanical failures, unexpected wildlife, or roadway conditions. As the investigation continues, deputies will evaluate physical evidence, examine the vehicle’s condition, and speak with anyone who may have information about Pfeiffer’s movements or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Sherwood Road East is a rural stretch that runs through open fields and wooded areas, where visibility and roadway terrain can vary. Rural roads often present challenges such as narrow lanes, uneven pavement, and minimal shoulder space. While investigators have not said whether weather, lighting, or roadway conditions contributed to this particular crash, all such factors will be carefully reviewed. Officials noted that rural crashes can be especially severe because vehicles that leave the road are more likely to strike fixed objects like trees or embankments.
Local residents expressed sadness after learning of Pfeiffer’s passing, noting how deeply tragedies resonate within small communities where many people are connected through family, friendship, or shared history. As condolences continue to pour in, authorities used the moment to emphasize the importance of seatbelt use, particularly on rural roads where crashes often occur unexpectedly and first responders may be farther away.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicle beforehand to come forward. Officials will release additional information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, the community is gathering in support of Pfeiffer’s loved ones as they reflect on this heartbreaking loss.
