Monsignor John Johnson, a priest in residence at St. Agatha Church in Upper Arlington, died Tuesday evening after being struck by a vehicle while walking near the intersection of Tremont and Ridgecliff roads earlier that morning. The crash site sits less than a mile from his home parish on Northam Road, a detail the City of Upper Arlington included in its announcement of his death. He had served Catholics across central Ohio for over five decades.
City officials confirmed the monsignor died the evening of September 30 following hospital treatment for his injuries, according to the City of Upper Arlington. As reported by WSYX, a vehicle struck Johnson as a pedestrian at the intersection on the morning of September 30, and he was identified afterward as the monsignor of St. Agatha's. St. Agatha Church said he was a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration to countless parishioners throughout his years of priesthood, per the same WSYX report. The Catholic Diocese of Columbus said it was saddened by the tragic event and the loss of a remarkable priest, the station noted, adding that he will be missed by brother priests and parishioners throughout the diocese's 23 counties.
A Half-Century in the Priesthood
Johnson was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 1, 1974, a milestone marking more than 50 years of active and retired ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, according to the diocese's priest directory. He held a licentiate in Canon Law and served as a judge on the diocesan tribunal. He also served on the Diocese of Columbus Presbyteral Council and provided spiritual direction and formation for seminarians at the Pontifical College Josephinum, the national seminary located in Columbus, the same publication reported.
Before moving into residence at St. Agatha, Johnson served as pastor of St. Timothy Church in Columbus. St. Agatha Church, his most recent residence, is in Upper Arlington.
Investigation Remains Open
The Upper Arlington Police Division confirmed Thursday that its investigation into the crash remains open and is urging any witnesses who have not yet spoken with officers to call 614-459-2800. Police have not released information regarding the driver's identity or any pending charges.
The fatal collision also lands within a broader pattern of pedestrian risk in the region. Franklin County leads all 88 Ohio counties in pedestrian safety incidents, recording 2,824 pedestrian-involved crashes over a multi-year study period, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Statewide, pedestrian fatalities in Ohio reached 173 deaths in 2021, with state troopers identifying unsafe speeds and distracted driving as usual causes of pedestrian crashes, 10TV has reported.
Funeral Set for October 10
St. Agatha Church has scheduled Johnson's funeral service for October 10, the City of Upper Arlington announced. Johnson served central Ohioans for many years, and his death leaves a void among brother priests and parishioners spanning the diocese's 23 counties.
