Ross County, OH — February 26, 2025, Scott Stephenson was killed and Jamie Stephenson and Jerrod Powell were injured in a truck accident at about 11:45 a.m. on U.S. Route 23 near Delano Road.

Authorities said a 2017 Toyota RAV4 was headed north when it apparently crossed into oncoming traffic near mile marker 17 and crashed into a 2023 Volvo semi-truck.

Toyota driver Scott D. Stephenson, 61, died after being transported to an area hospital, according to authorities, while passenger Jamie L. Stephenson, 59, was flown to a Columbus hospital with undisclosed injuries.

Truck driver Jerrod M. Powell, 23, was treated at the hospital for minor injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Ross County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Anytime a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic and collides with a semi-truck, the most important question is why it happened. In this case, reports indicate that a Toyota RAV4 drifted or veered into the wrong lane before crashing head-on with a semi. That’s not something that happens without cause, and a proper investigation should determine what led to that loss of control.

One possibility is driver distraction or impairment. Was the Toyota driver looking at a phone, fatigued or under the influence? Investigators should check phone records, toxicology reports and witness statements to determine if human error played a role.

Mechanical failure should also be considered. Did the Toyota experience a tire blowout, brake failure or steering issue that caused it to drift? A full mechanical inspection could help rule out vehicle malfunctions as a contributing factor.

Road conditions are another key factor. Was the road wet or icy? Did the vehicle hit a pothole or other road hazard that caused the driver to lose control? Environmental factors should not be overlooked in the investigation.

As for the semi-truck driver, reports suggest they had little opportunity to avoid the collision. When a vehicle suddenly enters a truck’s path, there is often very little a trucker can do to prevent a crash. Investigators should review black box data and any available dashcam footage to confirm how quickly the situation unfolded.

At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to say exactly what led to this crash. But if authorities focus only on who crossed the center line without asking why, they risk missing key details. A full investigation should explore every possibility to ensure the complete story is told.