A Sunset Tragedy: The Collision on State Route 79
The village of Hebron, Ohio, is navigating a state of “deeply unsettling” grief following a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a long-time member of the agricultural community. According to the Hebron Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Alan Kissell, 77, was operating an International Harvester tractor northbound on State Route 79 near the north edge of Hebron when his vehicle was struck from behind by a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. The “hot and shocking” force of the impact sent the tractor off the road, while the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene on foot, sparking an urgent manhunt across Licking County.
The Heart of a Farmer: Remembering Alan Kissell
Alan Kissell was a man whose life was deeply rooted in the soil of Ohio. At 77, he was still an active and vibrant presence in the community, often seen tending to his land and navigating the local roads with his trusted tractor. To his family and neighbors, Alan was a “steady influence”—a man of integrity whose “unyielding grace” and hard work defined his character. The human cost of this tragedy is found in the “immeasurable void” now felt at the Kissell family farm and the “indescribable pain” of losing a patriarch in such a violent and senseless manner. To the people of Hebron, Alan’s death is a jarring reminder of the risks faced by farmers simply trying to do their jobs, leaving a wound in the heart of the community that only time and justice can begin to heal.
Justice in Motion: Suspect Apprehended in Licking County
Following a “swift and decisive” investigation that utilized automated license plate readers and local search teams, authorities announced a major breakthrough on Thursday afternoon, April 16. The suspected driver, identified as 52-year-old Derek Baldwin of Des Moines, Iowa, was taken into custody in the city of Heath after being found with undisclosed injuries. Baldwin now faces serious charges related to the hit-and-run and failing to maintain an assured clear distance. While the “searching for the truth” behind his presence in the area continues, the focus of the community remains on supporting the Kissell family. We stand in solidarity with Alan’s loved ones, vowing that his legacy of hard work and kindness will be remembered far longer than the tragic circumstances of his final journey.
