The Newark and Hebron communities are mourning the tragic and senseless loss of Alan Kissell, 77, a respected local resident whose life was taken in a devastating hit-and-run collision on Wednesday evening, April 15, 2026.
Alan was a man who embodied the hardworking spirit of Licking County. His sudden passing, occurring while he was doing something he likely loved—operating his tractor—has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many neighbors who knew him as a staple of the local landscape.
The Incident
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the tragedy occurred around 6:30 p.m. on State Route 79, near the Hebron village limits.
-
The Crash: Alan was operating an International Harvester model 584 tractor northbound in the right lane when a Chevrolet pickup truck struck him from behind. Investigators determined the driver of the truck failed to maintain an assured clear distance.
-
The Aftermath: Following the impact, the driver of the pickup fled the scene on foot, leaving Alan behind. Alan was rushed to Licking Memorial Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
-
Justice Pursuit: After an intensive search involving the Hebron Police Department and Licking County Sheriff’s Office, authorities identified the suspect as Derek Baldwin, 52, of Des Moines, Iowa. Baldwin was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon after being located in the Heath area.
A Life Rooted in the Land
Alan Kissell was 77 years old and a lifelong presence in the Newark area. He was known for his quiet strength, his mechanical knowledge, and his dedication to the agricultural traditions of Central Ohio.
-
A Man of the Earth: Alan was frequently seen on his tractor, a sight that many in the Hebron and Newark areas associated with the changing of the seasons and the steady rhythm of rural life.
-
Community Pillar: He was a neighbor you could count on—a man of few words but great character who valued integrity and the importance of a hard day’s work.
-
Family Devotion: Beyond his work, Alan was a beloved family man whose wisdom and presence served as the foundation for those closest to him.
“Alan wasn’t just a neighbor; he was part of the fabric of this road. Seeing him on that tractor was a reminder of the good, simple things in life. To lose him this way is an absolute heartbreak for all of us.” — Local Resident
Service and Memorial Information
As the family navigates this unimaginable grief, they are being supported by the community he called home for over seven decades.
-
Final Arrangements: Service details are currently being finalized. The family intends to hold a celebration of life that honors Alan’s legacy and his love for the Licking County community.
-
Memorial Support: In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to honor Alan’s memory by supporting local agricultural youth programs or safety awareness initiatives for farm equipment on public roads.
Seeking Peace
While the legal process moves forward with the suspect in custody, the focus of the community remains on the Kissell family. The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations regarding road safety and the protection of those operating agricultural machinery on local highways.
Rest in peace, Alan Kissell. You have finished your final row, and your legacy of hard work and kindness will remain harvested in our hearts forever.
Leave a Reply