Couple Killed in Crash Involving Ohio State Highway Patrol Cruiser

Couple Killed in Crash Involving Ohio State Highway Patrol Cruiser

In a tragic incident on Thursday, July 31, 2025, an elderly couple from Albany, Ohio, lost their lives in a collision with a marked Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) cruiser. The crash occurred around 2:00 p.m. on U.S. Route 50 near Fisher Road in Athens County

Incident Details

According to the OSHP, a trooper observed a traffic violation on U.S. 50 involving another vehicle and attempted to catch up to the violator’s vehicle. As the trooper was maneuvering, a Toyota Prius driven by John G. Horton, 82, and his wife, LeAnn Horton, 72, was traveling westbound on U.S. 50. The couple attempted to cross the eastbound lanes onto Fisher Road when their vehicle collided with the OSHP cruiser. Both John and LeAnn Horton were pronounced dead at the scene. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital.

Investigation and Community Impact

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the trooper was responding to a traffic violation when the collision occurred. The investigation aims to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The deaths of John and LeAnn Horton have deeply affected the Albany community. Friends and neighbors remember the couple as kind-hearted individuals who were active participants in local events and always willing to lend a helping hand. Their sudden passing has left a void in the community, and tributes have poured in from those who knew them.

Safety Reminders

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of traffic situations. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and exercise caution, especially in areas where law enforcement may be present. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of John and LeAnn Horton underscores the inherent risks associated with driving and the unforeseen events that can occur on the road. As the investigation continues, the community of Albany mourns the loss of two cherished individuals whose lives were cut short in a devastating accident.