Parkman Township, Ohio — A peaceful Sunday morning turned tragic when Mary A. Byler, 60, was killed after a commercial truck struck the horse-drawn buggy she was riding in along U.S. Route 422. The devastating crash, which occurred on October 12, left the quiet Ohio community heartbroken and searching for answers.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision happened early in the morning when the truck, traveling eastbound, collided with the rear of the buggy. The force of the impact ejected both occupants — Mary Byler and a 62-year-old man — onto the roadway. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but Byler was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries sustained in the crash.
The male passenger, who was operating the buggy, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a Cleveland hospital for emergency treatment. His condition remains serious, according to officials. The driver of the commercial truck, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time, was not injured in the crash.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Early reports indicate that visibility and speed may have been contributing factors. Troopers are analyzing skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions to determine whether negligence or distracted driving played a role.
The crash occurred along a stretch of U.S. Route 422 that passes through rural farmland, where horse-drawn buggies remain a common mode of transportation for members of the Amish community. Residents of Parkman Township say that while the route is often shared between motorists and buggies, it has long been considered dangerous due to its narrow lanes and limited lighting at night.
Local residents expressed deep sadness following the tragedy, describing Mary Byler as a kind and gentle woman who embodied humility and faith. Many who knew her spoke of her devotion to family and community, remembering her as someone who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Friends and neighbors gathered near the crash site to place flowers and lanterns in Byler’s memory. The somber tribute served as a reminder of the fragile balance between modern transportation and traditional ways of life that coexist throughout the Ohio countryside.
Investigators are expected to review dash camera footage from the commercial truck, as well as data from the vehicle’s electronic logging system, to determine the exact speed and timing of the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized that while no charges have yet been filed, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Officials are also urging all drivers who share the road with horse-drawn buggies to remain alert, reduce speed, and maintain safe distances, particularly in rural areas where visibility is limited. The Highway Patrol reiterated that awareness and patience are critical to preventing similar tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of Mary Byler, her family is left to navigate unimaginable grief. The crash not only took a cherished member of their household but also shook a community deeply rooted in faith and simplicity. In the quiet corners of Parkman Township, sorrow lingers — and a family’s prayers now carry the weight of a life gone too soon.
