The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Joshua Little, a 42-year-old resident of Wapakoneta, Ohio. This incident took place on December 5, 2024, at approximately 6:22 a.m. on the southbound exit ramp from Interstate 75 to State Route 103 in Orange Township, Hancock County. Initial reports indicate that Little was driving a 2009 Chevrolet HHR southbound on I-75 when his vehicle became disabled, forcing him to stop on the right shoulder of the exit ramp. Upon exiting his vehicle, Little began walking south along the ramp. During this time, he was struck by a 2016 Ford Edge driven by Michael Rahrig, 64, of Findlay, Ohio.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but despite their best efforts, Little was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Fortunately, Rahrig was not injured in the collision. Little’s body has been transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for a thorough examination. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine the events that led to this fatal incident.
As a result of the accident, the southbound exit ramp to State Route 103 was temporarily closed for about an hour. Once the emergency crews completed their work, traffic resumed as normal. The response to this incident involved multiple agencies, including the Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and two towing companies, R and A Towing and D and D Towing.
This unfortunate event highlights the significant dangers pedestrians face on busy highways, particularly in situations involving disabled vehicles. Authorities have stressed the need for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution in similar scenarios to prevent such devastating outcomes. As the investigation proceeds, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is expected to release further details regarding the incident.
In the meantime, the community is mourning the loss of Joshua Little. Local officials are focused on understanding the factors that contributed to this tragic accident, hoping to bring clarity and possibly prevent future occurrences. This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of safety and vigilance on our roads.
