Perrysburg Twp, OH (May 23, 2026) – One person died, and two others were injured following a rear-end crash in an active work zone on Interstate 75 northbound near the Interstate 475 interchange.
The crash occurred around 4:20 a.m. Thursday, May 22, in Wood County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Investigators said a Freightliner M2 box truck driven by 54-year-old Joel Settlemire of Findlay was stopped in the middle lane due to road work when a Dodge Grand Caravan approached from behind.
Authorities said the Grand Caravan, driven by 40-year-old Jessica Miller of Tullahoma, Tennessee, failed to maintain an assured clear distance and struck the rear of the truck.
Miller was transported to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where she was pronounced dead. A 38-year-old man and a 9-year-old girl, both also in the Grand Caravan, were taken to the same hospital. The man suffered serious injuries, while the child sustained minor injuries. Officials said neither passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The Freightliner driver was not injured.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the work-zone collision. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Jessica Miller, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Work-Zone Rear-End Crashes Can Be Severe
Crashes in highway work zones can be especially dangerous because lanes may be narrowed, traffic may be slowed or stopped unexpectedly, and visibility may be reduced. Drivers may have limited time to react when approaching stationary or slow-moving vehicles.
Rear-end collisions at highway speeds often result in significant force transfer, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or death. The risk can be higher when occupants are not properly restrained, especially in the rear seating area.
After work-zone crashes, investigators typically examine roadway signage, traffic flow, and braking distance. They may also review whether visibility, speed, or driver attention contributed to the failure to stop in time.
