MARION TOWNSHIP, OH — Community Mourns the Loss of 28-Year-Old Jordan Tunnicliff Following Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash on U.S. Route 23
October 13, 2025 | Marion Township, Ohio — The tight-knit community of Marion Township is mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of 28-year-old Jordan Tunnicliff, who tragically lost his life in a two-vehicle collision late Saturday night, October 11.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s (OSHP) Marion Post, the fatal accident occurred at approximately 10:23 p.m. on U.S. Route 23, near milepost 10 — a stretch of highway frequently traveled by locals and commuters alike. Authorities say the crash involved a northbound sedan, driven by Tunnicliff, and a southbound SUV that was attempting to cross over the highway.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the driver of the SUV failed to yield while turning onto an access road, pulling directly into the path of Tunnicliff’s vehicle. Despite attempts to brake and avoid impact, the front end of Tunnicliff’s car collided with the passenger side of the SUV with catastrophic force.
Emergency medical personnel and first responders from the Marion Township Fire Department, Marion County EMS, and OSHP arrived on scene shortly after the collision was reported. Sadly, Jordan Tunnicliff was pronounced dead at the scene due to traumatic injuries sustained in the crash.
The occupants of the SUV, whose names have not yet been released, were transported to Marion General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under active investigation, and OSHP has not yet announced if charges will be filed.
A Beloved Son, Friend, and Member of the Marion Community
The news of Jordan Tunnicliff’s death has cast a heavy shadow across Marion, where he was well known and deeply loved. Friends and family describe him as charismatic, dependable, and kind-hearted — someone who could always be counted on for a helping hand or a good laugh.
“Jordan was the kind of guy who made life a little easier just by being around,” said close friend Nathan Gillespie, who grew up with Tunnicliff. “He’d give you the shirt off his back without thinking twice.”
A graduate of River Valley High School, Jordan had worked in various roles throughout the community, most recently as a mechanic at a local auto shop, where he had built a reputation for honesty and skill. He loved working on cars, spending time outdoors, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“He was passionate about what he did — whether it was fixing a car or supporting his friends,” said his sister, Kendra Tunnicliff. “He had a heart bigger than the world and a laugh that could fill a room.”
Jordan is survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a large extended family, all of whom are devastated by his sudden passing.
Highway Safety Concerns Raised
While the investigation is still in progress, the crash has renewed concerns about traffic safety on U.S. Route 23, particularly in the Marion Township corridor, where multiple collisions have been reported in recent years.
Community members and local officials have long advocated for improved signage, lighting, and clearer turn-lane markings along this stretch of highway. Some residents are now urging the Ohio Department of Transportation to revisit safety audits in light of this latest tragedy.
“That intersection has been dangerous for years,” said Lisa Reynolds, a resident who lives near the crash site. “We’ve lost too many lives there already. Jordan’s death should be the last straw.”
A Community Comes Together in Grief
Since news of the crash broke, an outpouring of support has flooded social media, where friends, coworkers, and neighbors have shared photos, memories, and messages of condolence using the hashtag #RememberJordan. A memorial fund has also been created to help the Tunnicliff family with funeral expenses and other costs associated with this devastating loss.
A candlelight vigil is being organized for Wednesday evening, to be held at the Marion Tallgrass Trail parking area, a place Jordan often visited with friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring candles, wear blue — Jordan’s favorite color — and share a moment of silence in his memory.
“We’re not just mourning a friend — we’re mourning a future that’s now gone,” said longtime friend Elena Harmon. “He had dreams, he had plans. And now we have to honor those dreams in how we live going forward.”
Funeral Arrangements
The family has announced that services for Jordan Tunnicliff will be held at Boyd-Born Funeral Home in Marion, with visitation on Friday, October 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Saturday at 11 a.m. The service will be open to the public, and the family has welcomed all who wish to pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to local highway safety awareness initiatives or to a scholarship fund being established in Jordan’s name.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Jordan Michael Tunnicliff
1997 – 2025
A son, a brother, a friend. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
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