He didn’t survive the impact, and the road stayed eerily quiet for hours afterward. Cody Gear, 40, of Elida, lost his life early Thursday morning when he was struck by a pickup truck while walking along Napoleon Road near State Route 81 in Jackson Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 4:30 a.m., a time when the rural stretch is dark and sparsely traveled.
Gear was walking northbound in the same lane as traffic when an oncoming 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 81-year-old Merl Hall of Lafayette, struck him.Emergency crews from local fire and EMS departments arrived within minutes and worked tirelessly to save Gear, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Hall, who was not injured, remained on site and fully cooperated with investigators.
Authorities closed the roadway for several hours as troopers documented the scene, collected evidence, and examined both the vehicle and roadway conditions. Investigators are looking closely at factors such as speed, lighting, and Gear’s position on the roadway at the time of the crash. Toxicology testing for both the driver and pedestrian, as well as mechanical checks of the truck, are part of the ongoing review.
Residents familiar with the area describe that stretch of Napoleon Road as narrow, with minimal lighting and no sidewalks—conditions that make it particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Friends and neighbors say Gear often enjoyed walking early in the morning, describing him as a kind, quiet man who valued simple routines and the calm of the countryside.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to lead the investigation, assisted by local agencies. As the community mourns the sudden loss, officials are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert, especially on rural roads during low-light hours, to prevent future tragedies.
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