Richland County, Ohio (March 25, 2026) — A 73-year-old man was critically injured, and a 75-year-old woman was hurt after a box truck struck their parked vehicle along Interstate 71, according to authorities. The victims were identified as Harold Merz and Brenda Merz, both of Westerville.
The crash occurred along northbound Interstate 71 in Richland County.
Incident Details: According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Merzes were inside a parked 2021 Toyota RAV4 on the right shoulder of the interstate when the crash occurred.
Authorities said a 2023 Freightliner box truck, driven by a 39-year-old man from North Royalton, was traveling northbound in the right lane when it veered onto the shoulder and struck the parked SUV.
The impact caused significant damage to the RAV4 and required emergency responders to extricate Harold Merz from the vehicle. He sustained serious injuries and was transported by MedFlight to Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus for advanced care.
Brenda Merz suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for treatment.
The condition of the box truck driver has not been reported.
Investigation: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. In collisions where a moving vehicle strikes a parked vehicle on the shoulder, investigators typically focus on driver attentiveness, lane control, and potential distractions or fatigue.
Crash reconstruction may include analysis of vehicle positioning, roadway markings, and any evidence showing why the truck left its travel lane, such as a lack of braking or steering correction. Investigators may also review driver logs, vehicle data, and possible external factors such as roadway conditions or mechanical issues. A main issue in this case is understanding why the truck moved onto the shoulder, an area typically designated for stopped or disabled vehicles and not intended for regular travel.
At this time, authorities have not announced any citations or charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving vehicles stopped on the shoulder often raise significant liability concerns, as drivers are expected to maintain control of their vehicles and remain within designated travel lanes. If a driver departs from the roadway and hits a parked vehicle, this can serve as strong evidence of negligence, especially if it results from distraction, fatigue, or inattention.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, Harold and Brenda may be entitled to pursue personal injury claims for medical expenses, future care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. When injuries are severe, claims may also include long-term rehabilitation and diminished earning capacity.
Beyond the legal issues, incidents like this highlight the risks motorists face even when stopped outside the flow of traffic.
I wish Harold and Brenda Merz a full recovery as they continue to receive medical treatment following this crash.
Source: Richland Source