Troopers Investigating Double Fatal Crash at US 30 and SR 511 in Ashland County
VERMILLION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Ashland Post are investigating a double fatal, three-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday morning at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 511.
According to the patrol, the crash happened at approximately 6:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. A 2015 Dodge Dart was traveling northbound on SR 511 when it failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 30 and was struck by a 2024 Peterbilt semi-truck and trailer traveling eastbound on U.S. 30.
Following the initial impact, the semi-truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, crossed the median, and entered the westbound lanes of U.S. 30, where it struck a 2020 Ford Transit van that was traveling westbound. Both the semi-truck and the Ford Transit van came to final rest off the north side of U.S. 30.
The driver of the Dodge Dart, Malachi James Harley John Whitehead, 23, of Wooster, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford Transit van, David L. Kuhns, 61, also of Wooster, was likewise pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Peterbilt semi-truck, Mac A. Johnston, 24, of South Pasadena, Florida, was transported by EMS to UH Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A juvenile passenger in the Ford Transit van was life-flighted to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators report that all occupants involved were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as contributing factors. The crash remains under active investigation.
Assisting at the scene were the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ashland County EMA, Ashland Fire & EMS, Hayesville Fire & EMS, Life-Flight, the Ashland County Coroner’s Office, and Aber’s Towing.
