20-Year-Old Nathan I. Johnston Killed in Semi-Truck-Ford Mustang Collision on State Route 104 in Pickaway County

PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH – A tragic crash on State Route 104 on Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of 20-year-old Nathan I. Johnston from Circleville, according to Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew O. Hey. The crash involved a collision between a semi-truck and a Ford Mustang, which resulted in the fatality of the Mustang’s driver, Nathan Johnston. This incident occurred just north of Van Meter Road on March 11, 2025, at approximately 12:35 PM.

The Incident

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 12:35 PM reporting a serious crash with an explosion involving a semi-truck and a Ford Mustang. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a devastating sight: a Kenworth semi-truck and a black 2020 Ford Mustang severely damaged from the collision. Investigators determined that the Mustang, which was traveling southbound on State Route 104, crossed the center line and struck the northbound semi-truck head-on.

The driver of the semi-truck, 47-year-old Clarence E. Davi of Blackshear, Georgia, was transported to Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital by Harrison Township EMS for the treatment of injuries. Meanwhile, the driver of the Mustang, identified as Nathan I. Johnston, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Harrison Township EMS.

Immediate Response

The crash scene was chaotic and required immediate action from various emergency responders. In addition to Harrison Township Fire and EMS, the Pickaway Township Fire and EMS, Scioto Township Fire and EMS, and the Circleville Fire Department all assisted in the aftermath of the incident. The Pickaway County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation also contributed to the investigation and response.

Sheriff Matthew O. Hey expressed his gratitude for the swift and coordinated response from the various fire and EMS departments, acknowledging the essential role each team played in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.

The Victim: Nathan I. Johnston

Nathan I. Johnston, a 20-year-old resident of Circleville, was identified as the driver of the Ford Mustang. Johnston’s family, friends, and community are mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon. He had been a member of the Circleville community, and his passing has deeply affected those who knew him. Although details about his personal life and background are limited, local residents and first responders alike have expressed their sadness at this heartbreaking incident.

The crash occurred as Johnston was driving south on State Route 104, just north of Van Meter Road. Authorities report that the Mustang crossed over the center line of the highway, colliding head-on with the northbound semi-truck. The Ford Mustang was severely damaged in the crash, and Johnston’s injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

The Other Driver: Clarence E. Davi

The driver of the semi-truck, Clarence E. Davi, was reported to be a 47-year-old man from Blackshear, Georgia. Davi was traveling northbound on State Route 104 when the Mustang crossed the center line, leading to a catastrophic collision. Following the crash, Davi was transported by Harrison Township EMS to Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital for the treatment of his injuries. As of the latest reports, Davi’s condition remains stable, but further details on his recovery or the extent of his injuries are not available.

Davi’s semi-truck was carrying an unknown cargo at the time of the collision. The truck and its cargo were significantly damaged, although authorities have not provided specific details about the type of load being transported. The crash caused not only the tragic loss of life but also disruption to the flow of traffic on State Route 104, as emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision.

The Investigation

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are working to determine whether any contributing factors, such as road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or driver impairment, played a role in the accident. At this time, authorities have not released further information about the potential causes of the crash or if any charges may be forthcoming.

Sheriff Matthew O. Hey expressed his appreciation for the professionalism and diligence of the investigative team, as well as the support provided by local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS teams. He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are working to piece together all the details of the tragic event.

The Community’s Response

The Circleville community has expressed its shock and sorrow over the loss of Nathan I. Johnston. Local residents and friends of the victim have gathered to offer their condolences to Johnston’s family, as they try to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss. Circleville, a small town located in Pickaway County, is known for its close-knit community, and the death of one of their own has left a deep void.

In the wake of the accident, local officials and community leaders have called for enhanced safety measures along State Route 104, urging both the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office to review road safety protocols in the area. There has been a heightened awareness of the potential dangers on this stretch of highway, and citizens are advocating for better infrastructure and awareness to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

A Community in Mourning

As the investigation into the crash continues, the people of Pickaway County, especially those in Circleville, are left to mourn the loss of a young life. Nathan Johnston’s death has cast a shadow over the local community, and many are struggling to understand how such a devastating accident could occur. Johnston’s passing serves as a reminder of the dangers that drivers face on the road and the importance of road safety and driver awareness.

Local schools, businesses, and organizations are offering support to the Johnston family, and memorials for Nathan I. Johnston are expected to be held in the coming days. Family members and friends are encouraged to share their memories and support one another as they navigate this difficult time.

The Road Ahead

While the investigation is ongoing, and answers to the cause of the collision may take time to uncover, one thing remains certain: the loss of Nathan I. Johnston has had a profound impact on those who knew him. As a community, Pickaway County is grieving, but they are also standing together in support of Johnston’s family. The incident has prompted discussions about the need for greater attention to road safety and vehicle awareness, particularly on stretches of highway where accidents like this can be preventable.

As authorities continue to gather evidence and piece together the details of the crash, the family of Nathan I. Johnston is left with the difficult task of mourning their loved one and coming to terms with their loss. In the days and weeks ahead, they will receive support from their community and from people who want to ensure that their son’s memory is honored and remembered.

Conclusion

The collision on State Route 104 on March 11, 2025, has left an indelible mark on the community of Pickaway County. The tragic loss of 20-year-old Nathan I. Johnston is a devastating event for his family, friends, and the wider Circleville community. The crash, which involved a head-on collision between a Ford Mustang and a semi-truck, has sparked an outpouring of grief and support for the Johnston family.

As the investigation continues, authorities will work to understand the circumstances that led to this terrible accident. However, in the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the Johnston family as they cope with their loss. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.