A tragic accident on Thursday afternoon has left a community grieving and raised questions as authorities continue to investigate a crash that claimed the lives of two elderly residents from Albany, Ohio. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) confirmed in a news release that John G. Horton, 82, and LeAnn Horton, 72, were both killed in the collision, which involved a marked OSHP cruiser.
The accident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on U.S. Route 50 near Fisher Road, in what authorities described as a devastating chain of events during an active law enforcement response. According to the OSHP, a state trooper observed a traffic violation by an unrelated vehicle and was attempting to catch up with that vehicle when the collision occurred.
The Horton couple, who were traveling westbound on U.S. 50 in their Toyota Prius, were attempting to cross the eastbound lanes onto Fisher Road when the highway patrol cruiser struck their vehicle. The impact of the collision proved fatal for both John and LeAnn Horton, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The OSHP confirmed that the trooper driving the patrol vehicle was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
News of the crash has devastated the Albany community, where the Hortons were known as long-time residents — kind, quiet, and deeply connected to those around them. Their sudden and tragic passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from family, neighbors, and friends who remember them as a couple full of warmth, dedication, and grace.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our town,” said one local resident who knew the couple for decades. “John and LeAnn were the kind of people you could always count on — humble, generous, and always smiling. It’s hard to believe they’re gone.”
As the OSHP investigates the circumstances surrounding the crash, officials have emphasized that it is still too early to determine exactly what led to the fatal collision. Investigators are reviewing dashcam footage, witness statements, and vehicle data, and the full findings will be made public upon completion of the inquiry.
The incident has renewed public concern about the balance between police pursuits or enforcement actions and the safety of uninvolved motorists. While the trooper was reportedly not actively engaged in a high-speed chase, the urgency to intercept another driver appears to have played a role in the tragic sequence of events. The OSHP has stated it will fully cooperate with internal reviews and any external inquiries into the incident.
In the meantime, community members and local leaders are focusing on honoring the lives of John and LeAnn Horton. Plans for a public memorial or celebration of life have not yet been announced, but loved ones are preparing to say goodbye to two individuals whose lives were marked by compassion, dedication to family, and quiet strength.
Remembering John and LeAnn Horton
John G. Horton, 82, was known for his wisdom, generosity, and devotion to his family and faith. LeAnn Horton, 72, was beloved for her kind spirit, gentle nature, and tireless support for her neighbors and community. Together, they were a symbol of love and partnership — two lives intertwined through decades of shared joys and challenges.
Their passing has left a void that will not easily be filled, but the legacy of their lives will endure in the memories of those they touched. From church gatherings to small-town festivals, their presence was a constant, and their loss is deeply felt.
A Community in Mourning, A Call for Answers
As the investigation into the accident continues, the public awaits answers and accountability, while also coming together to grieve and support one another. The deaths of John and LeAnn Horton serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed — or lost — in an instant.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the crash to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol as they work diligently to understand all aspects of this tragic event.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Horton family and all those mourning this unspeakable loss. May John and LeAnn rest in peace, and may their memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved them.
