Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash on State Route 32 in Sterling Township, Brown County, Ohio
On the morning of April 8, 2025, a tragic three-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 5:55 a.m. on State Route 32 at the intersection of Eastwood Road in Sterling Township, Brown County, Ohio. The incident has left one man dead and multiple others injured, with law enforcement and emergency responders currently piecing together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash began when 50-year-old Mark A. O’Roark of Mount Orab, Ohio, was driving a 2023 Hyundai Elantra eastbound on State Route 32. As he approached the intersection of Eastwood Road, he failed to maintain assured clear distance and collided with the rear of a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro, driven by 53-year-old Richard B. Lowery of Cincinnati, Ohio, was stopped at the traffic light and was stationary when the Hyundai struck it.
The impact caused Mr. Lowery’s vehicle to enter the intersection, where it struck a northbound 2024 Jeep Wrangler operated by 41-year-old Ricky W. Lamb of Mount Orab, who was traveling on Eastwood Road. The sequence of collisions caused a devastating chain reaction, resulting in severe damage to all three vehicles.
Mark A. O’Roark was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene by Mount Orab EMS. His passenger, 34-year-old Shonda Coleman of Defiance, Ohio, sustained serious injuries and was transported by Mount Orab EMS to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment. Richard B. Lowery also sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for medical care. Ricky W. Lamb, the driver of the Jeep Wrangler, refused treatment at the scene.
A significant factor in the crash investigation was that neither Mark O’Roark nor his passenger, Shonda Coleman, were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. This detail is crucial to understanding the severity of the injuries sustained by both individuals. Seat belt usage is often cited as a key factor in reducing the risk of fatal injuries in vehicle accidents, and it is believed that the lack of seat belts may have contributed to the tragic outcome for O’Roark.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather more details about the exact cause of the crash. At the scene, troopers were assisted by Mount Orab Fire and EMS, Mount Orab Police, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Brown County Coroner’s Office, all of whom worked diligently to manage the aftermath of the crash.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted or impaired driving and the importance of seat belt use. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to urge all drivers and passengers to remain vigilant on the road and to wear seat belts at all times.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss of Mark A. O’Roark, thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of all those involved in this devastating crash. The effects of this accident will reverberate throughout the local community, as friends, family members, and neighbors process the loss and injury of their loved ones.