Tragedy on Ohio 753: Teen Driver Killed, Another Man Fighting for Life in Union Township Crash
UNION TOWNSHIP, OH — A devastating two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on State Route 753 has left one teenager dead and another man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the collision occurred around 6:55 a.m. on June 21, 2025, just south of U.S. Route 35 in Fayette County.
The young victim has been identified as Marcus Bentley, a 17-year-old resident of Washington Court House. Marcus was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado when, tragically, his life was cut short. Investigators report that a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by Daniel Hunt, 32, of Springboro, unexpectedly crossed the centerline of the highway for reasons still under investigation and collided head-on with Bentley’s vehicle.
The force of the impact was catastrophic.
Marcus Bentley was ejected from his vehicle upon impact. Emergency crews arrived on the scene within minutes, but sadly, Marcus was pronounced dead before paramedics could begin life-saving care. The sudden and violent loss of such a young life has rippled across Fayette County, devastating his family, friends, and community members. Marcus was known for his kindness, his work ethic, and his promising future—a life brimming with potential that ended far too soon.
Meanwhile, Daniel Hunt suffered critical injuries and was initially transported to Fayette Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. As of the latest update, Hunt remains in critical condition, with his loved ones by his side, hoping and praying for a full recovery.
In the aftermath of the crash, State Route 753 was shut down for several hours as OSHP investigators reconstructed the scene. The road was littered with debris, and the mangled wreckage of the two pickup trucks served as a grim reminder of the devastating power of a head-on collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to determine whether factors such as distracted driving, impairment, mechanical failure, or fatigue were involved.
At this time, no charges or citations have been issued as investigators work to gather all available evidence, including potential witness accounts and dashcam footage.
The death of Marcus Bentley has left a deep void in the Washington Court House community. Friends and teachers describe him as a thoughtful, sincere, and respectful young man who brought warmth and light to those around him. In response to the tragedy, local schools are mobilizing grief counselors and mental health support to help students and staff navigate this immense loss.
For Daniel Hunt’s family and friends in Springboro, the focus now turns to his recovery. Community members have already begun offering support through prayer, messages of hope, and online fundraisers to assist with medical costs and recovery efforts.
This crash stands as a tragic reminder of how quickly life can change on rural highways like Ohio 753. It underscores the urgent need for continued awareness, cautious driving, and roadway safety improvements to prevent future heartbreak.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who was driving in the area around the time of the collision to come forward. Dashcam footage, even from nearby vehicles, could prove vital in piecing together the events leading up to the deadly crash.
As two families face the aftermath of unimaginable loss and trauma—one grieving a son taken far too soon, the other clinging to hope for a loved one in critical condition—a community mourns and comes together in solidarity. Marcus Bentley will be remembered not just for the way he died, but for the joy and love he brought to others while he lived. His legacy will endure, even in the face of heartbreak.
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