Greene County, Ohio – A family is grieving after a fatal crash Saturday morning claimed the life of a 60-year-old man in Greene County, just days before Christmas.
State troopers were called around 8:30 a.m. Saturday to a crash at the intersection of Paintersville–New Jasper Road and Hussey Road, according to earlier reporting by News Center 7. The Xenia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol later identified the victim as Leroy Arrington, who was known as Darrell to his family and friends.
What happened at the intersection
Troopers said Darrell was riding in the passenger seat of a pickup truck driven by a 29-year-old man. Investigators believe the driver failed to stop at a stop sign, and a box truck struck the pickup.
Emergency crews transported both drivers to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Darrell did not survive his injuries at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
A family’s loss just before Christmas
Darrell’s family spoke with News Center 7’s Amber Jenkins, sharing memories of a man they described as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life revolved around his family.
“He just went and bought his granddaughter a million things for Christmas,” said Heather Arrington, his wife. “We just got back from Walmart and the mall. Everything he picked up was for her.”
Heather said Darrell had spent Friday night shopping for Christmas gifts for his daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter, determined to make the holiday special.
“He’s been working a lot of overtime for Christmas this week,” she said. “So he went in really early this morning, and he was in his work truck.”
Remembered as “Darrell”
While his legal name was Leroy, everyone close to him knew him as Darrell. His sister, Tracey Arrington, described the moment she learned about the crash as surreal.
“He said that he died. I thought he was lying, and it couldn’t be true because he was there,” she said.
Tracey and other family members said Darrell’s role as a grandfather was one of the greatest joys of his life. His granddaughter, they said, adored him and knew him simply as “Papa.”
“She’s 4, but going on 12, so she knows her papa from the back of her hand,” Tracey said. “She knows who her grandpa is.”
The impact on loved ones
Family members said the loss feels especially painful because of the timing. Darrell will not be there to watch his granddaughter open the presents he carefully chose, nor to spend Christmas morning with his wife and children.
Those closest to him described a man who worked hard, showed up for his family, and found happiness in the small moments—shopping trips, holiday preparations, and time spent with his granddaughter.
They said his love and presence will continue to be felt, even as they face the holidays without him.
Road safety reminder
Authorities have not announced any charges related to the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to remind drivers of the importance of obeying stop signs, especially on rural roads where visibility can be limited and speeds may be higher.
Crashes at intersections remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities statewide, particularly when right-of-way rules are not followed.
What happens next
Troopers are still reviewing evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage and witness accounts. Additional details may be released once the investigation is complete.
For Darrell’s family, the focus now is on remembering the man they loved and honoring his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a serious crash, local victim-support resources are available to help families navigate the days and weeks ahead.
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