A tragic crash in Pickaway County on Wednesday morning has claimed the life of a 70-year-old man, leaving the community near Orient shaken as investigators continue to piece together what happened. The deadly collision occurred along U.S. Route 62, a busy stretch of highway that often carries steady traffic through the area. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly after receiving multiple emergency calls about a serious wreck involving three vehicles.
According to Sheriff Matthew Hafey, the first call came in at around 10:41 a.m., prompting deputies, firefighters, and medical personnel to rush to the scene. When they arrived, they found a devastating sight: a Dodge Ram pickup, a semi-truck, and a Subaru all severely damaged. Investigators soon learned that the collision began with a risky maneuver attempted by the driver of the Dodge Ram, identified as David Shannon, a local resident. Shannon had been traveling along the highway when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a part of the roadway not marked as safe for passing.
During this attempt, Shannon crossed into the oncoming lane, where his pickup collided head-on with an approaching semi-truck. The impact was so forceful that the semi lost its left front tire and veered sharply out of its lane. As the large truck swerved across the centerline, it sideswiped an eastbound Subaru, sending the smaller vehicle off the road. The Subaru then struck a utility pole before finally coming to rest, its front end heavily crumpled from the impact.
Emergency responders from the Sterling Joint Ambulance District quickly began checking the conditions of everyone involved. Sadly, their attempts to save Shannon were unsuccessful. Officials confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe injuries he suffered in the head-on collision. The drivers of the semi-truck and the Subaru were evaluated, but authorities have not yet released details about their conditions or whether they required hospitalization. Updates are expected as the investigation continues.
For several hours following the crash, deputies closed down portions of U.S. Route 62 to conduct a thorough crash reconstruction. They documented skid marks, measured distances, and examined the positions of the vehicles to determine the exact sequence of events. The closure caused traffic delays in the area as crews worked to clear debris and ensure that the roadway was safe for travel.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are reviewing witness statements and gathering any additional evidence needed to understand fully what led to the deadly chain reaction. No charges are expected, as the driver believed responsible did not survive the crash, but officials say their final report will help bring clarity to a tragic morning on U.S. Route 62.
