Trucker Perishes in Crash After Veering Into Median Wall

Rice Township, OH – A 53-year-old Michigan truck driver perished on Tuesday along the Ohio Turnpike in a single vehicle crash after veering into the median wall.

According to Ohio Highway Patrol (OHP), the crash happened at approximately 4:34 p.m. in the eastbound lanes on the Ohio Turnpike near mile post 88 in Rice Township.

OHP investigators say the male truck driver from Columbiaville, MI was operating in the center lane when the big rig drifted to the left and struck the concrete center divider.

The trailer became separated from the Western Star tractor and overturned.

The truck continued on until it struck the bridge pillar at Four Mile House Road and was practically split in half, according to OHP.

The truck driver, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, was pronounced dead on scene.

The wreckage from the crash blocked all three eastbound lanes for a time as crews worked to clear the scene.

Abbe Close, a motorist claiming to witness the crash, took to social media to explain what she saw.

“I witnessed this accident and it was very clear the driver either fell asleep or had a medical emergency. He was not speeding and was in the middle lane just prior to his accident,” she wrote.

OHP says it is investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

WATCH more from the scene below.