Jeff Hazen Obituary, Death: 1 killed, 1 hurt in dump truck crash in Claridon Township, Ohio.

Jeff Hazen Obituary, Death – A tragic collision in Claridon Township claimed the life of a Chardon resident Wednesday morning and left another person hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) confirmed that 67-year-old Jeff Hazen, a Chardon man, died at the scene following a violent crash between a dump truck and a passenger car.

The incident occurred around 8:35 a.m. at the intersection of Route 608 and Chardon Windsor Road, a location known for moderate traffic and rural surroundings. Hazen was operating a 1985 International Scout dump truck and heading north on Route 608 when the crash happened.

According to initial findings from OSHP, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, which was approaching the intersection from the west on Chardon Windsor Road, failed to stop at a clearly marked stop sign. As a result, the Elantra entered the intersection without yielding the right-of-way, directly into the path of Hazen’s dump truck.

The dump truck struck the Hyundai on the driver’s side, leading both vehicles to veer off the west side of the road. The Hyundai eventually collided with a tree, while Hazen’s dump truck ran off the road and came to a stop in a ditch.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Hazen was pronounced dead at the location of the crash. Authorities believe the force of the impact was so severe that he likely died instantly from his injuries.

The driver of the Hyundai, whose identity has not been released, sustained critical injuries in the collision. Emergency personnel transported the individual to Geauga Medical Center for treatment. Medical staff are working to stabilize the patient, and updates on their condition are expected in the coming days.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and troopers from OSHP continue to gather details. They are analyzing skid marks, vehicle positions, and eyewitness accounts to determine the full sequence of events. At this point, it appears that the failure to yield at the stop sign was the primary contributing factor.

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office was among the first agencies to respond, working in collaboration with multiple other departments, including Chardon Fire and EMS, Burton Fire Department, Hambden Fire Department, the Geauga County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation. These teams coordinated efforts to secure the scene, assist the injured, and ensure that traffic was safely diverted while investigations and cleanup took place.

Following the crash, the intersection at Route 608 and Chardon Windsor Road was temporarily shut down to allow emergency personnel and investigators full access to the site. Crews cleared the wreckage and worked to reopen the roadway after several hours of closure.

The accident has left the community mourning the sudden loss of Jeff Hazen, a man known in Chardon for his local ties and years of experience behind the wheel. Friends and neighbors are grieving, describing Hazen as a kind and hard-working man who will be sorely missed.

Fatal crashes involving larger vehicles like dump trucks often result in severe consequences due to the sheer size and weight of such trucks. In this case, the vintage 1985 model involved in the crash, while still roadworthy, likely lacked some of the modern safety features present in newer vehicles, which may have contributed to the overall severity of the incident.

Officials are urging all drivers to use extra caution at intersections, particularly rural ones where visibility may be compromised and traffic patterns can be unpredictable. Intersections without traffic signals rely heavily on drivers adhering to stop signs and right-of-way rules, and even a brief moment of inattention can have devastating results.

OSHP has not released any further details about whether speed, distractions, or impairment may have played a role in the incident. Toxicology results and other reports may offer additional insights in the coming weeks.

As the investigation progresses, authorities will determine whether any charges or citations are warranted. In the meantime, safety advocates are using this incident as a reminder of the importance of attentiveness and caution behind the wheel, especially when approaching intersections.

The community continues to rally around Hazen’s loved ones, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. A memorial or tribute may be organized by family or friends in the days ahead to honor his memory.

This crash marks another heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and responsibility on the road. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.