Lima Community Mourns Father and Son Killed in Tragic I-75 Chain-Reaction Crash
The community of Lima is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Hurshel Gipson, 52, and his young son, Michael Gipson, 11, whose lives were taken in a devastating chain-reaction crash on I-75 on the evening of February 28, 2026. Their passing has left family, friends, and the broader Lima community reeling with grief, as they remember a devoted father and son whose lives were cut tragically short.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred near mile marker 118 in Shawnee Township, close to the Allen and Auglaize County line, in the northbound lanes of I-75. Traffic had slowed due to a vehicle fire when Yvio Michel, 53, of Boynton Beach, Florida, driving a tractor-trailer, failed to yield to the backed-up traffic. The semi struck several vehicles, including another tractor-trailer and a Buick SUV, which became trapped between the two semis, resulting in a catastrophic chain-reaction collision.
Hurshel and Michael Gipson were inside the SUV at the time of the crash and tragically lost their lives at the scene. The SUV’s driver, Amanda Gipson, 45, reportedly sustained serious injuries and was treated at Mercy Health’s St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. Several other drivers involved were treated for minor injuries at the scene and later released, while Michel himself was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has confirmed that Yvio Michel has been charged in connection with the crash and is scheduled for arraignment on March 12 in Lima Municipal Court. The charges highlight the devastating consequences of negligent driving and have left the community seeking answers and justice for the Gipson family.
Hurshel Gipson is remembered by friends and family as a devoted father, loving husband, and a reliable and compassionate member of the community. Michael, only 11, was a bright, energetic, and joyful child whose presence brought warmth and happiness to everyone he met. Their loss leaves an immeasurable void, and the pain of their passing is deeply felt by all who knew them.
Community members have expressed condolences and support for the Gipson family, emphasizing the impact Hurshel and Michael had on the lives of those around them. Friends recall Hurshel’s dedication to his family and Michael’s playful spirit, describing the father-son bond as inspiring and full of love. Together, their lives serve as a reminder of the preciousness of time spent with loved ones and the fragility of life.
As the Lima community mourns, memorials and vigils are being planned to honor the lives of Hurshel and Michael Gipson. These gatherings will provide an opportunity for friends, neighbors, and community members to come together, grieve, and celebrate the love, joy, and memories they shared.
Though their lives were tragically cut short, the legacy of Hurshel and Michael Gipson will endure in the hearts of their family, friends, and community. Their memory serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of familial bonds, the importance of cherishing every moment, and the love that continues to live on even in the face of heartbreak









