Mary A. Byler Obituary, Death – Authorities in Geauga County are investigating a tragic accident involving a horse-drawn buggy and a commercial truck that occurred early Sunday morning, October 12. The incident, confirmed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), took place along U.S. Route 422 near State Route 528 in Parkman Township.
According to a statement from the OSHP Chardon Post, the crash occurred around 7:39 a.m. when a red 2019 Volvo commercial truck, driven by a 31-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, was traveling east on U.S. 422 behind a horse-drawn buggy. For reasons still under investigation, the truck struck the rear of the buggy, ejecting both occupants from the vehicle.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene, where they found a man and woman who had been thrown from the buggy. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman sadly did not survive her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. OSHP later identified her as 60-year-old Mary A. Byler, a resident of Burton, Ohio.
The driver of the buggy, a 62-year-old man also from Burton, sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was flown by medical helicopter to University Hospitals Medical Center in Cleveland for advanced treatment. His current condition has not been released.
The commercial truck driver, who was wearing his safety belt at the time, was not injured in the collision, according to investigators. Authorities noted that neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to have played a role in the crash. The cause remains under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Responding agencies included multiple fire departments and emergency medical teams from Parkman Township, Troy, and Middlefield, as well as personnel from Community Care Ambulance. Deputies from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation also provided assistance at the crash site, helping manage traffic flow and clear debris from the roadway.
Officials have not released further details regarding the condition of the horse involved, and OSHP stated that a full reconstruction of the accident scene is being conducted to determine exactly how the collision occurred. Investigators are working to understand whether visibility, road conditions, or speed may have contributed to the crash.
Local residents expressed sorrow following the incident, noting that horse-drawn buggies are a common sight in the Parkman Township area, which has a significant Amish community. Safety remains an ongoing concern in rural areas where motorized vehicles share roads with traditional forms of transportation.
Authorities are reminding all drivers to remain cautious when traveling through regions where buggies are present. They emphasized the importance of maintaining safe following distances, reducing speed when approaching slow-moving vehicles, and staying alert to ensure the safety of all travelers.
As the investigation continues, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is expected to release additional information once the reconstruction and witness interviews are completed. Anyone who may have seen the collision or has dash camera footage from the area around the time of the crash is encouraged to contact the OSHP Chardon Post to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
The accident serves as a somber reminder of the risks on shared roadways and the importance of vigilance among both drivers and buggy operators. Authorities have extended their condolences to the family and friends of Mary Byler as they continue to seek answers about what led to the tragic crash.
