HILLSBORO, Highland County, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2026 — A woman died after a three-vehicle crash involving a commercial truck on U.S. 62 near Custer Road Wednesday afternoon, October 21, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m.
A preliminary investigation found a 2016 Nissan Rogue was heading north on U.S. 62 and had slowed to make a left turn when a 2011 Freightliner truck traveling the same direction struck it from behind. The impact pushed the Nissan off the west side of the roadway.
Debris from the collision struck a southbound Ford F-150, causing minor damage to that vehicle, the patrol reported.
The Nissan's driver died from her injuries. She has been identified as 60 year old Debbie Westfall of Lynchburg, Ohio. The 17 year old driving the Freightliner suffered minor injuries, and the F-150 driver was not hurt.
U.S. 62 was shut down near Custer Road while investigators worked the scene and has since reopened.
The crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died, and we wish the injured teenager a speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Hillsboro, OH
This fatal crash happened on Custer Road in Hillsboro, OH. We cover crashes across Highland County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Highland County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Large trucks have wide no-visibility zones along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close in front of the cab. A car lingering in one of these areas may be invisible to the driver, which is why safety experts advise passing quickly and staying out of a truck's rear blind spot whenever possible.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, often in a rear-end or side-impact situation. These crashes can cause severe damage to the smaller vehicle's upper frame and occupant space.
What typically causes large-truck crashes?
Common factors include following too closely, delayed braking, driver fatigue, limited visibility, and mismatches in speed between a truck and smaller vehicles around it. Investigators look at vehicle speed, following distance, and road conditions when reconstructing how a crash like this occurred.
How can drivers share the road safely with trucks?
Give trucks extra following distance, avoid lingering beside or behind a trailer, and signal early when preparing to slow or turn. Trucks need more time and distance to stop or react than passenger vehicles.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Hillsboro, Ohio
If you're involved in a crash with a commercial truck, call 911 right away and move to a safe spot off the roadway if you're able. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical provider soon afterward, since injuries from a rear-end or underride-type impact aren't always obvious right away. Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, gather contact information from any witnesses, and ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's filed. Keep records of any medical visits or vehicle repairs that follow, since those documents can matter later when sorting out what happened and who was involved.
