Nicholas P. Cayton Obituary, Death – Authorities in Ohio have confirmed the passing of a state trooper who lost his life while assisting at the scene of a disabled semitruck on Thursday morning. The incident occurred on State Route 11 in Mahoning County and remains under active investigation.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, 40, was responding to a report of a semitruck that had broken down and was blocking the right-hand lane of the highway. Trooper Cayton arrived at the scene and parked his patrol cruiser behind the disabled vehicle with his emergency lights activated, ensuring visibility for passing motorists and the safety of those involved.
While Cayton was in his cruiser, a truck traveling northbound on Route 11 collided with the rear of the patrol vehicle. The force of the impact pushed Cayton’s cruiser forward, causing it to strike both the disabled semitruck and its driver, identified by officials as 63-year-old Jesus Herrera Vasquez. Vasquez had been standing outside his truck at the time of the crash, according to the OSHP report.
Emergency responders from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, local fire departments, and additional highway patrol units quickly arrived on the scene. Despite their immediate efforts, Trooper Cayton was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Vasquez was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, and his condition has not yet been disclosed.
Authorities identified the driver of the truck that struck Cayton’s cruiser as 42-year-old Ryan Rach. Officials reported that Rach was not injured in the crash. The OSHP said that investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the speed of the involved truck, potential distractions, and weather or roadway conditions at the time.
Trooper Cayton’s death has deeply affected the Ohio law enforcement community. He was a respected member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and had served the state with distinction. In a statement, OSHP officials expressed their condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones, describing him as a dedicated officer who consistently prioritized the safety of others.
Governor Mike DeWine also released a statement following the announcement, offering his sympathies to Cayton’s family and colleagues. He acknowledged the risks that law enforcement officers face daily, especially when assisting motorists on busy highways. “Trooper Cayton’s passing is a tragic reminder of the dangers our public safety professionals encounter every day while protecting and serving Ohioans,” DeWine said.
The crash also reignited conversations about “Move Over” laws, which require drivers to slow down and move into another lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Officials used the occasion to remind drivers of the importance of this law, emphasizing that it saves lives by giving emergency personnel the space they need to work safely along highways.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction team is analyzing evidence from the scene, reviewing dash camera footage, and conducting interviews with witnesses. Authorities have not yet indicated whether any charges will be filed in connection with the crash.
Community members have begun paying tribute to Trooper Cayton, leaving flowers and messages at local patrol posts. Fellow officers described him as compassionate, professional, and deeply committed to his duty.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said it will release more information as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, the department has asked the public to keep Cayton’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time and to continue practicing caution whenever encountering emergency or service vehicles on the road.
The tragic loss of Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton underscores the daily risks faced by first responders and the critical importance of driver awareness and roadway safety.
