Marion Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol Investigating a Fatal Semi/Car Crash

Joe Lyons • January 21, 2024

Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on January 20, 2024, at approximately 12:21 PM, on US23 at Newmans Cardington Road, in Marion County.

The crash involved a 2003 Lincoln Town Car driven by Richard A. Roads, age 94, of Marion, Ohio. The second vehicle involved was a 2024 Kenworth T680 semi-truck driven by Michael Duane Arnold, age 63, of Frankfort, Ohio.

The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Arnold was traveling southbound on US23 in the left lane. Mr. Roads was also traveling southbound on US23 in the right lane, approaching the intersection of Newmans Cardington Road.

Mr. Roads attempted to turn left onto Newmans Cardington Road from the right lane and was struck by Mr. Arnold’s semi. Mr. Roads traveled off the left side of the roadway after impact and struck a traffic sign and a ditch before coming to final rest.

Mr. Arnold also traveled off the left side of the road and struck a ditch and overturned before it entered the northbound lanes of US23 where it came to rest.

Mr. Roads was transported from the scene by Fort Morrow EMS to Marion General Hospital, and from there was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Roads was later pronounced deceased.

Mr. Arnold sustained minor injuries and was transported from the scene by Marion Township EMS to Marion General Hospital. Both occupants were wearing their seat-belts at the time of the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Township Fire and EMS, Fort Morrow Fire and EMS, Pleasant Township Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Liverpool Towing, and Precision Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.