Hubbard, OH (April 25, 2025) – A tragic collision along Interstate 80 eastbound claimed the life of a Sharpsville man Tuesday afternoon near the Sharon exit. The crash, which occurred just before 3:30 p.m., involved a rear-end collision between an SUV and a dump truck, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
Authorities confirmed that 42-year-old Joshua Marriotti, the driver of the SUV, was killed in the crash. He reportedly struck the rear of the dump truck in the eastbound lanes near the U.S. 62 East/SR-7 North exit leading into Sharon, Pennsylvania. Emergency crews arrived swiftly but were unable to save Marriotti, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the dump truck sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their identity has not yet been released.
Following the incident, all eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for several hours as crews worked to investigate and clear the scene. The roadway has since been reopened.
The crash remains under investigation by the OSHP in collaboration with local fire departments. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Joshua Marriotti during this difficult time.
Rear-End Truck Crashes on Ohio Highways
Fatal rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks, such as dump trucks, are a grim reality on high-speed corridors like Interstate 80. These crashes are particularly dangerous for the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles due to the immense size and weight of trucks—making even seemingly moderate-speed impacts potentially deadly.
In this tragic incident, the SUV struck the dump truck from behind. While details regarding the cause of the crash are still under investigation, common contributing factors in such cases include driver distraction, sudden speed changes, mechanical failure, or poor visibility. It’s not yet known whether weather or road conditions played a role.
For families like Joshua Marriotti’s, the aftermath of a fatal accident can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Beyond grief, they often face unexpected medical and funeral expenses, legal processes, and unanswered questions about what went wrong. Resources and guidance are critical during such times.
This accident also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following distances on high-speed highways. Commercial vehicles require significantly longer stopping distances, and rear-end collisions often result when drivers misjudge speed differences or become distracted.
OSHP and safety officials continue to push for awareness and enforcement initiatives to reduce rear-end collisions and improve safety conditions on major highways. Such efforts, combined with ongoing vehicle technology improvements like forward-collision warning systems, may help prevent future tragedies.
If your family has experienced the loss of a loved one in a serious Ohio highway crash, Local Accident Reports is here to offer support. We provide accurate, timely information and help families connect with the recovery and legal resources they need. Reach out today to find clarity and comfort in the aftermath of a devastating event.
