50-Year-Old Mark O’Roark Identified as Victim in Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash on State Route 32 in Sterling Township; Investigation Continues
STERLING TOWNSHIP, OH – April 8, 2025 — A devastating early-morning crash on State Route 32 at Eastwood Road in Sterling Township, Brown County, claimed the life of a local man and left multiple others injured. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has confirmed that 50-year-old Mark O’Roark of Mount Orab was the victim who tragically lost his life in the three-vehicle collision, which occurred shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
Sequence of the Crash
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the accident involved a Hyundai Elantra, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Jeep Wrangler. Investigators say that O’Roark was driving the Hyundai Elantra eastbound on SR-32 when he failed to stop in time and rear-ended the Chevrolet Camaro, which had come to a stop in traffic at the intersection.
The force of that impact caused a chain reaction — the Camaro was thrust into the intersection where it collided with a Jeep Wrangler that was traveling north on Eastwood Road. All three vehicles sustained significant damage.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and found O’Roark unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Others Injured
The crash also left at least two others hospitalized. A passenger in O’Roark’s vehicle and the driver of the Camaro both suffered serious injuries. One was transported by air ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, while the other was taken by ground transport to Mount Orab Mercy Health for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed publicly.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene, according to OSHP.
Road Closures and Community Impact
Following the collision, State Route 32 was closed in both directions for several hours, snarling morning traffic and rerouting drivers through nearby rural roads. The scene was cleared by late morning, but the investigation remains active.
“We are thoroughly reconstructing the scene to determine the full series of events,” said Sgt. Michael Dempsey of OSHP’s Batavia Post. “It’s a heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts are with Mr. O’Roark’s family and all those affected.”
Remembering Mark O’Roark
Mark O’Roark was a longtime resident of Mount Orab, known to friends and family as a devoted father, hardworking employee, and generous neighbor. News of his sudden death has shaken the small Brown County community.
“He was the kind of guy who’d stop to help you if your car broke down, no matter what time it was,” said longtime friend Gary Thompson. “This is a huge loss for all of us who knew him.”
Tributes have started to appear on social media, and loved ones are organizing a candlelight vigil in his memory. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Investigation Ongoing
The OSHP is continuing its investigation and has asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around SR-32 and Eastwood Road at the time of the incident to come forward. Investigators are evaluating potential factors such as speed, visibility, road conditions, and whether driver fatigue or distraction may have played a role.
At this time, no charges have been filed, and no citations have been issued. Toxicology reports are pending, which is standard procedure in fatal crash investigations.
A Deadly Stretch of Road
Tuesday’s fatal crash is the latest in a series of serious accidents along State Route 32, a heavily traveled corridor between eastern Cincinnati suburbs and the rural parts of Brown and Clermont counties. Residents and safety advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about speeding, poor lighting, and limited visibility at intersections.
“We’ve seen too many tragedies here,” said resident Maria Hensley. “How many more people have to die before something changes?”
Call for Witnesses
Anyone with additional information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol – Batavia Post at (513) 732-1510. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through local Crime Stoppers programs.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved resident and supports those who were injured, many are left reflecting on the fragility of life — and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel.