Alan Kissell Obituary, Death; The community of Newark, Ohio is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Alan Kissell, 77, who died following a devastating hit-skip collision on April 15, 2026, near the Hebron village limits.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hebron Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. along State Route 79 when a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado struck the rear of an International Harvester 2250 tractor. Investigators believe the driver failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, resulting in the fatal impact.
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Authorities reported that after the collision, the driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene on foot before emergency responders arrived. The suspect has been identified as 52-year-old Derek Baldwin of Des Moines, Iowa, and efforts to locate him remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Alan Kissell, who was operating the tractor at the time of the crash, was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased despite life-saving efforts from medical personnel.
The incident prompted a large multi-agency response, including the Hebron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Unit, Licking County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple fire departments across the region, all working together to secure the scene and assist with the investigation.
News of Kissell’s passing has left family, friends, and neighbors in deep grief. In a close-knit community, his sudden loss has been widely felt, with many remembering him as a valued presence whose life touched those around him.
As the investigation continues, the Newark area now mourns a life taken far too soon, holding onto memories and the lasting impact Alan Kissell leaves behind.