Marion – Injury Crash Turns Into Fatal Crash

Joe Lyons • August 7, 2024

Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post continue to investigate a crash that occurred August 5, 2024, at approximately 2:09 PM, on US23 in Marion County.

The crash involved a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia semi-tractor trailer, driven by Abdulkhalif Mohamed Warsame, age 40, of Gahanna, Ohio. The second vehicle involved was a 2011 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra motorcycle, driven by James P. Wetzel, age 79, of Marion, Ohio. The third vehicle involved was a 2019 Ford Taurus, driven by Jonathan T. Cathers, age 44, of Oregon, Ohio.

The preliminary investigation indicated Mr. Warsame and Mr. Wetzel were traveling northbound on US23 in the right lane. Mr. Cathers was traveling northbound on US23 in the left lane. Mr. Wetzel slowed to turn right to travel eastbound on Linn Hipsher Rd. (CR195). Mr. Warsame swerved to the right, traveled onto the paved berm, and struck Mr. Wetzel’s motorcycle. Mr. Warsame’s truck traveled off the northeast side of the intersection, struck a stop sign, and came to final rest in a ditch. Mr. Cathers vehicle struck debris from the crash.

Mr. Wetzel sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by Salt Rock EMS to Marion General Hospital. He was later flown to Grant Medical Center.

On August 6, 2024 Mr. Wetzel succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Grant Medical Center.

Mr. Warsame and Mr. Cathers did not sustain any injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Salt Rock Fire and EMS, Marion Township EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Liverpool Towing and Kirby’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.