Muskingum County, OH (February 25, 2025) – A three-car crash on Tuesday night, February 25, 2025, claimed the life of 26-year-old Robert Rebitski of Hebron, Kentucky, after a semi-truck veered off the highway and struck two vehicles on Interstate 70 near Hopewell Township.
Accident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 9:35 p.m. James Mumaw, a 53-year-old resident of Chillicothe, was traveling eastbound in a semi-truck on I-70. The truck swerved to the left, crossed the median, and collided with two westbound vehicles. Robert Rebitski was the driver of one vehicle. He suffered fatal injuries and tragically died at the scene. His father, George, was a passenger in the vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The second vehicle carried Aaron and Sarah Powell, along with two children. All four passengers suffered minor injuries and were taken to Genesis Hospital.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The crash remains under investigation. When a semi-truck veers off the highway and crosses into oncoming traffic, investigators must determine why the driver lost control and whether negligence played a role. Several key factors will be examined to understand what caused this tragic collision.
Driver Behavior: Truck drivers must follow strict safety regulations. Investigators will assess whether the driver was:
- Impaired—Toxicology reports will confirm if alcohol or drugs were involved;
- Fatigued—Logbooks will show if the driver exceeded legal driving time limits; and
- Distraction—Cell phone records and the truck’s event data recorder (black box) will reveal whether the driver was distracted before the crash.
Truck Inspection: A mechanical malfunction could have caused the truck to swerve. Investigators will check maintenance logs to ensure the truck was adequately serviced and examine the black box data for sudden malfunctions. Investigators will also determine if the trucking company or repair shops failed to address known issues.
Depending on the findings of the investigation, Rebitski’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. The injured individuals may be able to file personal injury claims.
I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Robert Rebitski. I wish the injured individuals a fast recovery.
Source: The Time Recorder