Highway Patrol Investigating Truck Versus Mennonite Buggy Crash

Joe Lyons • September 11, 2024

UPDATE – September 11, 2024

Barbera Rissler died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

Ripley Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a truck versus horse drawn buggy serious injury crash that occurred on September 10, 2024 at 07:11 p.m. on Baseline Road near New State Road in Ripley Township, Huron County.

The preliminary investigation showed a 2015 Chevy 2500, operated by Dustin L. Thompson, age 43, traveling west on Baseline Road. A horse drawn buggy, operated by Barbara Rissler, age 16, was traveling west on Baseline Road in front of Mr. Thompson.

Mr. Thompson failed to keep an assured clear distance ahead and struck the rear of the buggy. After the collision, the buggy traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Chevy continued westbound before coming to rest on the roadway.

Mr. Thompson was not wearing his seat-belt and was not injured as a result of the crash.

Ms. Rissler was ejected from the buggy and sustained serious injuries. She was flown by Med-flight to Ohio-Health Grant Medical Center, Columbus.

Dorcas Rissler, age 21, was a passenger in the buggy. She was ejected and sustained serious injuries from the crash. She was transported by Shiloh EMS to Ohio-Health, Mansfield.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Shiloh Fire and EMS, Med-Flight, and Clark Brother’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.