The Piqua Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The crash occurred on March 4, 2025, shortly before 1a.m, on northbound I-75 near State Route 571 in Tipp City.
Tipp City Fire & EMS crews were dispatched at 12:51 a.m. on the report of a semi-truck that had crashed through a sound barrier wall.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2019 International 600 series, operated by Ralph Deaton, 56, Adrian, Michigan, was traveling northbound on I-75 when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an unoccupied disabled vehicle. Deaton’s vehicle continued off the right side of the roadway and struck a concrete wall and a residential storage shed. Deaton succumbed to his injuries on scene and was pronounced deceased by the Miami County Coroner’s Office.
According to the Piqua Patrol Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash ultimately involved two vehicles, the semi and an unoccupied, disabled vehicle. The semi crashed into that vehicle before the wall. The semi also struck a residential storage shed.
The semi came to rest in an open waterway. Diesel fuel was leaking from its interior, which prompted a response from the Miami County Hazmat Team. The team successfully diked the diesel fuel and kept it from entering the closed storm sewers.
The crash remains under investigation by the Piqua Post at this time.
No firefighters or responders were hurt during the handling of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Tipp City Police Department, Tipp City Fire Department, Miami County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Ramp 68 to northbound I-75 is closed. The right lane on I-75 North beyond SR-571 is blocked. It is unknown how long the ramp will be closed.