WALNUT CREEK TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic chain-reaction crash early Wednesday morning claimed the life of a 30-year-old Sugarcreek man and left another driver critically injured in Holmes County. The fatal incident occurred just after dawn along State Route 39 and remains under active investigation.

According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at approximately 5:06 a.m. on March 4, 2026, east of Township Road 420. Authorities said Jason L. Yoder was riding a Delsol electric bicycle westbound on the berm of SR 39. Investigators believe Yoder attempted to make a left-hand turn into the driveway of Sharon Mennonite Church when his bicycle entered the path of a westbound 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

The bicycle collided with the passenger side of the Jeep, which was driven by 27-year-old Anthony S. Parson of Stone Creek. Officials reported that Parson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Yoder was equipped with a reflective vest and had an operable rear flashing light on his bicycle, according to investigators.

After the initial impact, Parson brought his Jeep to a stop on the south berm of SR 39, facing eastbound. He exited the vehicle to check on Yoder, who was lying in the eastbound lane of the roadway. Moments later, tragedy struck again when an eastbound 2004 Honda Accord driven by 55-year-old Steven R. Erb of Millersburg struck both men. Authorities confirmed that Erb was not injured in the collision.

Parson sustained serious injuries and was transported by Sugarcreek EMS to Akron General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Yoder was pronounced dead at the scene by Sugarcreek EMS and the Holmes County Coroner’s Office, led by Dr. Leon Miller. Emergency crews from Sugarcreek Fire & EMS assisted at the scene.

The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details and say the review remains ongoing as they work to determine exactly how the deadly sequence of events unfolded.