Athens, OH (August 1, 2025) – A tragic crash involving an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) cruiser claimed the lives of an elderly couple Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on U.S. Route 50 near Fisher Road and remains under investigation by state and local authorities.
According to a statement from OSHP, a trooper was attempting to pursue a vehicle involved in a traffic violation when their cruiser collided with a 2012 Toyota Prius attempting to cross multiple lanes. The Prius, occupied by 82-year-old John Horton and 72-year-old Le-Ann Horton of Albany, was heading westbound on US-50 and trying to turn onto Fisher Road when the collision occurred.
The impact proved fatal. Both John and Le-Ann Horton were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Numerous agencies responded to the crash site, including the Ohio Department of Transportation, Athens County EMS, Athens Police, and local fire departments. The Athens County Coroner also assisted at the scene as investigators worked to reconstruct the moments leading up to the collision.
OSHP has not disclosed whether the trooper had activated lights or sirens during the attempted pursuit. The incident is under active investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details about the traffic violation that initiated the chain of events.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of John and Le-Ann Horton during this difficult time.
Law Enforcement Vehicle Crashes in Ohio
Crashes involving law enforcement vehicles, especially those occurring during high-speed responses or pursuits, carry significant public safety implications. Thursday’s deadly incident in Athens County underscores the risks faced not only by officers in the line of duty but also by civilians caught in the path of emergency responses.
According to state data, collisions involving police vehicles most commonly occur at intersections—often when officers are attempting to catch up to or intercept another driver. In the case of the Horton family, their vehicle was navigating a turn across eastbound lanes of US-50 when the cruiser struck them, suggesting a moment of confusion or misjudgment on both sides. Whether proper emergency protocols were followed remains a key element of the ongoing investigation.
Highway crossings like the one at Fisher Road present particular hazards due to multiple lanes of traffic and limited visibility. When such areas are the site of law enforcement activity, the potential for unintended tragedy rises sharply. That’s why thorough post-crash analysis and agency transparency are critical in both understanding and preventing similar future incidents.
For the loved ones of victims, the aftermath of a crash involving law enforcement can be especially complex, involving not only grief and loss but also procedural investigations and legal considerations.
At Local Accident Reports, we help families affected by fatal crashes connect with the resources they need to process tragedy and pursue the support they deserve. If you or someone close to you has been affected by a serious accident involving a public safety vehicle, don’t navigate it alone. Reach out to us today for guidance, clarity, and compassionate help.
