Franklin Township, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Friday afternoon, August 15, 2025, at the intersection of State Route 13 and State Route 96 West in Franklin Township.
The crash happened around 1:57 p.m. and involved three vehicles: a 2025 Chrysler Voyager minivan, a 2005 Kenworth T-800 dump truck, and a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer.
According to investigators, 81-year-old James Massie of Gahanna was driving the Chrysler eastbound on State Route 96 when he attempted to turn left onto State Route 13. At that moment, a northbound Kenworth dump truck struck the passenger side of the Chrysler, continued through the intersection, hit a guardrail, and overturned.
The driver of the Kenworth, whose name has not yet been released pending notification by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, was partially ejected from the vehicle and died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Mr. Massie was transported by Franklin Township EMS to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Chevrolet Blazer, 26-year-old Amber Boyd of Mansfield, was not injured. She brought her vehicle to a stop north of the overturned truck and sustained only minor damage.
The Ohio Department of Transportation temporarily closed the intersection following the crash but has since reopened the roadway.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, ODOT, Franklin Township Fire and EMS, and Ronk’s Towing.
Authorities say the crash remains under investigation.
The staff of Appleseed News extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the driver who lost their life in this tragic accident.
