Vermillion Twp, OH (February 14, 2026) – A tragic crash involving three vehicles, including a semi-truck, claimed the lives of two people and seriously injured a child on Friday morning near the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 511 in Ashland County. The fatal incident occurred just after 6:00 a.m. on February 13, prompting a full closure of Route 30 in both directions for several hours as emergency crews responded.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash began when a compact sedan traveling northbound on SR-511 failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection. The vehicle was struck by an oncoming semi-truck, causing the truck to veer off the roadway, cross the median, and collide head-on with a van in the westbound lanes of US-30.
The driver of the sedan, identified as 23-year-old Malachi James Harley John Whitehead of Wooster, and the driver of the van, 61-year-old David L. Kuhns, also of Wooster, were both pronounced dead at the scene. A child riding in the van suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Mansfield. The semi-truck driver, a 24-year-old man from Florida, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized.
Key Details
- Location: US-30 near SR-511, Vermillion Township, Ashland County, OH
- Date: Friday, February 13
- Time: Just after 6:00 a.m.
- Fatalities: 2 (Malachi Whitehead, 23, and David Kuhns, 61)
- Injuries: 1 child critically injured; semi driver hospitalized with minor injuries
- Road Closure: US-30 is closed in both directions during the investigation
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred after a sedan ran a stop sign at SR-511
- The semi struck the sedan, then crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a van
- Both the sedan and van drivers were killed at the scene
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The condition of the child following hospital transport
- Whether mechanical failure or distraction contributed to the initial stop-sign violation
- Potential charges or citations are pending the investigation’s conclusion
Local Context
US-30 is a major east-west corridor in northern Ohio, frequently used by commercial and local traffic. The intersection at SR-511 has seen prior safety reviews, and following this fatal crash, further evaluation may be conducted. Crashes involving semis at highway intersections can be especially deadly due to speed, impact force, and limited maneuvering options for smaller vehicles.
What to Do Next
- Drivers should always stop fully at posted stop signs and verify cross traffic before proceeding.
- If you witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage, contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
- Plan alternate routes during extended highway closures caused by serious crashes.
- Consider using traffic safety apps or GPS alerts to stay informed about high-risk intersections.
FAQ
Q: Why are crashes with semi-trucks often fatal for smaller vehicles?
A: Semis carry significantly more weight and size, making impacts with smaller vehicles extremely dangerous. Stopping distances are also longer, increasing crash severity.
Q: What happens after a fatal crash investigation?
A: Troopers conduct scene documentation, witness interviews, and vehicle inspections. The Ohio DOT may also review the roadway for safety improvements depending on findings.
Q: What support is available for families of crash victims?
A: Victim advocacy groups and local agencies often provide counseling, legal guidance, and financial assistance resources to those affected by fatal collisions.
