MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) – A fatal crash involving a 2003 Lincoln Town Car and a 2024 Kenworth T680 semi-truck is currently under investigation by the Marion Post troopers. The incident occurred on January 20, 2024, at approximately 12:21 PM, on US23 at Newmans Cardington Road, in Marion County.
The Lincoln Town Car was driven by Richard A. Roads, 94, of Marion, Ohio, while the Kenworth semi-truck was operated by Michael Duane Arnold, 63, of Frankfort, Ohio. Preliminary findings suggest that both vehicles were traveling southbound on US23 when the crash occurred.
Arnold, in the left lane, attempted to make a left turn onto Newmans Cardington Road from the right lane and collided with Roads’ vehicle. The impact caused Roads’ car to veer off the left side of the road, hitting a traffic sign and a ditch before coming to a halt. Arnold’s semi-truck also left the road, struck a ditch, and overturned before coming to rest in the northbound lanes of US23.
Roads was transported by Fort Morrow EMS to Marion General Hospital and later to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where he was pronounced deceased. Arnold sustained minor injuries and was taken by Marion Township EMS to Marion General Hospital. Both Roads and Arnold were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol received assistance at the scene from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Township Fire and EMS, Fort Morrow Fire and EMS, Pleasant Township Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Liverpool Towing, and Precision Towing.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.