LICKING COUNTY, OHIO — A tragic head-on collision in southern Licking County claimed the lives of two men on Sunday evening. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the deadly crash occurred just after 6:00 p.m. on June 1 along State Route 13 near Hupp Road. Both drivers died at the scene, with no other injuries reported.
According to investigators, 68-year-old Rory Hiltner of Newark was driving a Toyota Highlander northbound on the highway. At the same time, 42-year-old Rocky Smith of Thornville was heading south in another vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, Smith’s vehicle suddenly crossed the center line, resulting in a violent head-on crash between the two vehicles. There were no passengers in either car.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both men were already deceased when crews reached the scene. A section of State Route 13 was shut down for several hours Sunday evening while troopers conducted their investigation and cleared the roadway of wreckage. The area where the crash happened is a rural stretch of highway known for lighter traffic and limited visibility in some spots.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not yet determined what caused Smith’s vehicle to veer into the northbound lane. Authorities are reviewing possible factors, including speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or a medical emergency. Toxicology tests will be performed as part of the routine investigation, and vehicle inspections may provide additional insight.
This tragic event adds to growing concerns about safety on two-lane highways, where head-on crashes can happen suddenly and often end in severe or fatal outcomes. Troopers continue to urge drivers to stay focused, obey speed limits, and avoid any form of impairment while behind the wheel. Rural highways like Route 13 often lack barriers, making even minor lane drifting extremely dangerous.
Both the Newark and Thornville communities are mourning the sudden loss of Hiltner and Smith. Friends and loved ones have begun sharing condolences and memories as they process the tragedy. While no public memorials have been announced, both families are expected to release further information privately. As the investigation continues, troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or the vehicles involved to contact law enforcement with any information.