LIMA, Ohio — The communities of Lima and surrounding Allen County are grieving after a heartbreaking crash claimed the lives of 52-year-old Hurshel Gipson and his 11-year-old son Saturday night. The tragic collision happened along Interstate 75 North near the Cridersville exit in Fort Shawnee, leaving a family shattered and an entire community in mourning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on February 28, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m. Traffic in the northbound lanes near milepost 118 had slowed due to an earlier vehicle fire. Investigators said a northbound 2017 Great Dane semi-truck failed to maintain an assured clear distance and crashed into multiple vehicles that were stopped or moving slowly on the highway.
One of the vehicles involved was a 2015 Buick Enclave driven by 45-year-old Amanda Gipson of Lima. Inside the SUV were her husband, Hurshel Gipson, and their young son. Authorities said the violent chain-reaction crash left the Buick crushed between two semi-trucks, causing catastrophic damage.
Hurshel Gipson and his 11-year-old son were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were later taken to Lima Memorial Hospital. Amanda Gipson suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center for treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly updated.
Several other people were also injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Officials reported that debris from the crash was scattered across nearly 100 yards of roadway, showing the force of the impact. Northbound Interstate 75 remained closed for about five hours as emergency crews worked to care for victims and clear the wreckage.
The loss of a father and young child in a single tragic moment has deeply shaken the Lima community. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are now rallying around the Gipson family, offering prayers and support during this unimaginable time. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all the circumstances surrounding the devastating crash.
