PARKMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic crash early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, claimed the life of 60-year-old Mary A. Byler when a commercial truck struck the horse-drawn buggy she was riding in along U.S. Route 422. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred just before dawn, turning a peaceful rural roadway into a devastating accident scene.
Investigators say the buggy, carrying Byler and a 62-year-old man, was traveling east when it was hit from behind by a commercial truck. The force of the impact ejected both occupants onto the roadway. Despite the quick arrival of emergency responders, Byler was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. Her companion was airlifted to a Cleveland hospital in critical condition.
Authorities identified the truck driver and confirmed that he remained on the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Preliminary reports indicate that alcohol or drugs are not suspected as factors in the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing to determine if visibility, speed, or driver distraction played a role.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction unit spent several hours examining the site, while local deputies directed traffic around the closed section of Route 422. The horse did not survive the collision, according to officials.Byler, a longtime member of the local Amish community, was remembered as a devoted friend and neighbor known for her kindness and quiet spirit.
The tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit Parkman Township community, where horse-drawn buggies are a common sight and road safety between motorists and Amish travelers remains a constant concern.As investigators work to piece together what led to the fatal impact, community members are calling for greater awareness and caution when sharing the road with buggies.
