Newark Mourns 77-Year-Old Alan Kissell Killed in Devastating Hit-and-Run Tractor Crash in Ohio
77-year-old Alan Kissell was killed in a hit-and-run crash near Hebron, Ohio, after a tractor collision on SR-79 as investigators probe. ongoing now!
The Newark community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 77-year-old Alan Kissell, who died following a fatal hit-and-run crash on April 15, 2026, near State Route 79 close to the Hebron Village limits. The sudden nature of the incident has left family members, friends, and longtime neighbors struggling to process the tragedy, as shock and sorrow ripple through this close-knit Ohio community.
According to the Hebron Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado struck the rear of an International Harvester 2250 tractor. Investigators say the impact was severe, and early findings suggest the driver failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, leading to the deadly collision.
Following the crash, authorities reported that the driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene on foot before emergency responders arrived. Law enforcement later identified the suspect as 52-year-old Derek Baldwin of Des Moines, Iowa, and confirmed that efforts are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his actions after the collision.
Alan Kissell, the tractor operator, was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital following the crash, where medical teams worked urgently to save his life. Despite those efforts, he was later pronounced deceased, leaving loved ones devastated by the sudden loss and the violent circumstances that unfolded on an ordinary evening.
The scene drew a large multi-agency response involving local police, sheriff’s deputies, fire districts, and aviation support. Officers worked together to secure the area, manage traffic, and document evidence as investigators began piecing together the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash near the village limits.
The loss of Alan Kissell has deeply affected the Newark community, where residents say such tragedies resonate far beyond the roadway. Friends and neighbors have expressed grief and disbelief, remembering him as a familiar and respected presence whose absence is now strongly felt across the entire area. Many describe him as someone who contributed quietly to the fabric of local life, making his sudden passing even more painful for those who knew him.
Authorities continue to investigate the hit-and-run and urge anyone with information to come forward. Officials emphasize that community cooperation remains essential as they work to fully understand the events that unfolded and ensure accountability for those responsible. Investigators are carefully reviewing evidence, witness statements, and surrounding circumstances in an effort to piece together a clear timeline of the crash and the events that followed.
In the aftermath, the community continues to mourn while reflecting on the importance of road safety and shared responsibility on rural highways. As memories of Alan Kissell are held close by family and friends, his passing remains a solemn reminder of how quickly lives can change in an instant. Residents across the Newark area have called for renewed awareness and caution on local roads, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Weeks of mourning continue as local leaders encourage unity and support for grieving families throughout the region during this difficult time ahead for community healing.