NEWS RELEASE FROM THE OHIO STATE PATROL

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2026

State Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash on Interstate 75

Fort Shawnee- On February 28, 2026, at approximately 08:15 P.M., the Lima and Wapakoneta Posts of The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck that had struck multiple vehicles backed up on Interstate 75 North, just north of the exit to Cridersville in Fort Shawnee, Allen County.

Yvio Michel, age 53, of Boynton Beach Florida, was driving a 2017 Great Dane semi-truck northbound on Interstate 75. Michel failed to maintain an assured clear distance as he approached backed up traffic and struck four passenger vehicles and another semi-truck. Those struck include; Kayla Route, age 28 of Mason in a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, Ronald Foley, age 58 of Ypsilanti Michigan in a 2022 Ford F-150, Amanda Gipson, age 45 of Lima in a 2015 Buick Enclave, Jason Ford, age 46 of Cincinnati in a 2017 Wabash semi-truck and Cynthia Harter, age 66 of Grand Rapids in a 2014 Mazda CX-9.

Michel and Foley were transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for their non-life-threatening injuries. Route and Gipson were transported to Mercy Health-St.Rita’s for their serious injuries. Gipson was also accompanied by her husband Hurshel, age 52, and their 11-year-old son. Both passengers were pronounced deceased at the scene and were transported to Lima Memorial Hospital.

The roadway was closed for approximately five hours. The Ohio Department of Transportation assisted with creating a detour for northbound traffic.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Lima and Wapakoneta Posts were assisted on scene by; The Allen and Auglaize County Sheriff Offices, Shawnee Fire and EMS, Perry Fire, Lima Fire, Lima-Allen County Paramedics, Cridersville EMS, Mercy EMS, Auglaize County CERT, Auglaize County Emergency Management, Wapakoneta Fire and Police Department and Miller Auto.

The crash remains under investigation.