An early Tuesday evening walk across Blacklick Road ended in tragedy when an 82-year-old man was struck and killed near the intersection with Heimberger Road in Liberty Township just before 5 p.m. Officials later identified the victim as Stephen Venturini of Baltimore. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver involved suffered only minor injuries.
Investigation Underway
State troopers from the Lancaster post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating the crash. According to The Columbus Dispatch, troopers said the collision occurred as Venturini attempted to cross Blacklick Road near Heimberger Road.
What Officials Reported
A preliminary report from the Lancaster post states that a 2017 Subaru Impreza driven eastbound by 73-year-old Robert Kale of Baltimore struck Venturini as he walked from the south side of the road to the north. WHIZ reported that Venturini was pronounced dead at the scene and that Kale was treated for minor injuries.
Traffic Safety Context
Local officials have been warning that traffic deaths are becoming a bigger problem in Fairfield County. The Fairfield County Health Department recorded four traffic-related fatalities in the first quarter of 2026, up from one during the same period in 2025, as reported by Pickerington Online. That outlet also notes that the county's Safe Communities coalition works with the Ohio State Highway Patrol on prevention efforts. For more on those programs, residents can visit the Safe Communities information provided by the Fairfield County Health Department.
The crash remains under investigation, and troopers told The Columbus Dispatch they have not indicated whether any charges will be filed. The Lancaster post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to handle the case.
