A peaceful Sunday morning in Parkman Township, Ohio, turned into a scene of heartbreak when a horse-drawn buggy was struck from behind by a commercial truck, resulting in one fatality and leaving another person seriously injured.
At approximately 7:39 a.m. on October 12, 2025, emergency responders were dispatched to U.S. Route 422 near State Route 528 following reports of a collision involving a horse-drawn buggy. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) confirmed that a 2019 red Volvo commercial truck, driven by a 31-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 422 when it collided with the rear of the buggy. The force of the impact ejected both occupants from the buggy onto the roadway.
The passenger, 60-year-old Mary A. Byler of Burton, Ohio, was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate lifesaving efforts by emergency personnel. The driver, a 62-year-old man also from Burton, sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to University Hospitals Medical Center in Cleveland for emergency care. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The truck driver was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash. Investigators have stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the incident. The OSHP is conducting a full reconstruction of the crash scene to determine whether speed, visibility, or road conditions contributed to the tragedy.
Local residents have expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that horse-drawn buggies are a common sight in the Parkman Township area, which is home to a large Amish population. Many have emphasized the need for greater caution and awareness when driving near buggies, especially on rural roads shared by both modern vehicles and traditional forms of transport.
Authorities are urging motorists to slow down and maintain safe following distances when approaching slow-moving vehicles. The OSHP encourages anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area to contact the Chardon Post as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns the loss of Mary Byler, officials have extended their condolences to her family, calling the accident a sobering reminder of the importance of patience and vigilance on Ohio’s rural roadways.