Hebron, OH (April 16, 2026) – A fatal crash was reported on Tuesday, April 15, around 6:30 p.m. on Rte 79 near the Hebron village limits. Emergency units responded to a collision involving a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and an International Harvester 2250 tractor.
Preliminary details indicate the Chevrolet struck the rear of the tractor while traveling along the roadway. Authorities believe the driver failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead before the impact occurred. The force of the crash caused significant harm to the tractor operator.
The tractor driver, Alan Kissell, 77, of Newark, was taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the Chevrolet left the scene on foot before emergency units arrived. He was later identified as Derek Baldwin, 52, of Des Moines, Iowa, and remains at large.
Emergency units secured the area and managed traffic while assisting with initial response efforts.
The incident remains under review by authorities.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Information Is Commonly Examined After a Hit-and-Run Crash on a Rural Highway?
After a hit-and-run crash on a rural roadway, early reviews typically focus on the sequence of events leading up to the impact. Investigators often rely on roadway evidence, vehicle positions, and debris patterns to reconstruct how the collision occurred.
Witness statements, if available, can also help clarify movements of each vehicle before and after the crash. In many cases, traffic or nearby surveillance footage may be reviewed when accessible.
Medical reports are later used to confirm the extent of injuries or fatalities. Environmental factors such as lighting, road layout, and traffic conditions may also be assessed to build a clearer picture of the incident.
