Parkman Township, Ohio (April 11, 2026) — A devastating hit-and-run collision involving a horse-drawn buggy has left four young Middlefield Township residents injured and a community searching for answers. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred early Friday morning in Parkman Township when a pickup truck allegedly crossed the center line, striking the buggy head-on before the driver fled the scene.
Authorities have identified the driver of the buggy as 18-year-old James Miller. His three passengers were 18-year-old Amy Hershberger, 18-year-old Hannah Mullet, and 16-year-old Kayoa Mullet.
Incident Details: According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2014 white Chevy Silverado driven by Danny Yoder, 21, of West Farmington, was traveling southbound on Bundysburg Road when the northbound horse-drawn buggy was struck. Troopers said Yoder’s truck went left of center, hit the horse and buggy, swerved, and ended up in a ditch.
Authorities said Yoder was not injured. After the truck was removed from the ditch, he allegedly left the scene. Troopers later determined within 24 hours that Yoder was reportedly the driver of the Silverado. A passenger in the truck, Nathan Hostetler, was also not injured.
All four people in the buggy were transported to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Troopers reported that Amy Hershberger had minor injuries, while Kayoa Mullet sustained serious injuries. Hannah Mullet was later airlifted by helicopter to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center. The horse pulling the buggy was severely injured and had to be euthanized by officers.
Investigation: In a crash like this, investigators will likely focus on lane position, visibility, speed, and why the pickup truck allegedly crossed left of center before striking the buggy. In a nighttime collision involving a horse-drawn vehicle, those details can become especially important because the case may turn on roadway conditions, driver attention, and whether the buggy was visible to approaching traffic.
Investigators may review physical damage to the truck and buggy, witness statements, scene evidence, and the driver’s actions after the collision. The alleged decision to leave the scene is a significant aspect of the case. In incidents involving multiple injured victims and a horse that had to be euthanized, early preservation of evidence is crucial. Such a collision requires a thorough account of what happened and why.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes involving a horse-drawn buggy can raise serious civil liability issues, especially where authorities allege the driver crossed the centerline and caused injury before fleeing. In a case like this, the civil side can be just as important as the criminal case because it may help the injured victims and their families recover financially while also forcing a fuller examination of how the crash happened.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, James Miller, Amy Hershberger, Hannah Mullet, and Kayoa Mullet may have valid opportunities to pursue personal injury claims to cover hospital bills, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and any long-term limitations caused by the injuries. The buggy or other property that was damaged may also be part of a civil claim.
My deepest condolences and best wishes go out to James Miller, Amy Hershberger, Hannah Mullet, and Kayoa Mullet. I sincerely hope each of them makes a full and swift recovery.
Source: Geauga County Maple Leaf