ALLEN COUNTY, Ohio — A Lima father and his 11-year-old son were killed Saturday night after a semi truck crashed into stopped traffic on Interstate 75 in Allen County.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. on February 28, 2026, in the northbound lanes of I-75 just north of the Cridersville exit near Fort Shawnee.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 53-year-old Yvio Michel of Boynton Beach, Florida, was driving a 2017 Great Dane semi truck northbound when he failed to maintain an assured clear distance while approaching traffic that had backed up due to another incident. Troopers said Michel struck four passenger vehicles and another semi truck.

The vehicles involved included:

• A 2009 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Kayla Route, 28, of Mason, Ohio

• A 2022 Ford F-150 driven by Ronald Foley, 58, of Ypsilanti, Michigan

• A 2015 Buick Enclave driven by Amanda Gipson, 45, of Lima, Ohio

• A 2017 Wabash semi truck driven by Jason Ford, 46, of Cincinnati

• A 2014 Mazda CX-9 driven by Cynthia Harter, 66, of Grand Rapids

Amanda Gipson was traveling with her husband, Hurshel Gipson, 52, and their 11-year-old son. Both Hurshel Gipson and the child were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Lima Memorial Hospital.

Amanda Gipson was transported to Mercy Health–St. Rita’s with serious injuries. Troopers later said her injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening, though she faces a long recovery.

Kayla Route was also transported to Mercy Health–St. Rita’s with serious injuries and has since been released after treatment. Ronald Foley and Yvio Michel were taken to Lima Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were later released. Jason Ford and Cynthia Harter were not transported for treatment.

Interstate 75 northbound was closed for approximately five hours while crews investigated and cleared the scene. The Ohio Department of Transportation assisted with detours for northbound traffic.

Multiple agencies responded, including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Shawnee Fire and EMS, Perry Fire, Lima Fire, Lima-Allen County Paramedics, Cridersville EMS, Mercy EMS, Auglaize County CERT, Auglaize County Emergency Management, the Wapakoneta Fire and Police Department, and Miller Auto.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Once the investigation is complete, troopers will consult with prosecutors to determine whether any charges will be filed.

Authorities have not released any information regarding immigration status or language proficiency, and no charges have been announced at this time.

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