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John G. Horton

Age : 82

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 07/31/2025

Location : U.S. Route 50 at Fisher Road

City : Athens/Albany area

County : Athens

State : Ohio

Agency : Ohio State Highway Patrol

Officer(s) :Zackary Tackett

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

Unspecified traffic violation.
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On 07/31/2025, John G. Horton, 82, and his wife Le-Ann Horton were killed when an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser driven by Trooper Zackary Tackett crashed into their Toyota Prius at U.S. 50 and Fisher Road in Athens County. The Hortons were uninvolved in the traffic violation that prompted Tackett's high-speed response. Their two dogs were also killed.
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John Horton was driving westbound and turning left across the eastbound lanes toward Fisher Road when Tackett's cruiser struck the Prius. Tackett's cruiser then left the roadway, overturned multiple times, struck a traffic sign and fence, and came to rest off the highway.
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Later reporting based on obtained body-camera footage identified Tackett and documented extraordinary speeds immediately before the collision. An independent analysis estimated Tackett reached approximately 126 mph during the approach and was traveling approximately 116 mph during the two seconds preceding impact. OSHP said Tackett was attempting to catch a motorist after witnessing a traffic violation but maintained that the incident did not meet its definition of an active pursuit.
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OSHP would not confirm whether Tackett's emergency lights and siren were activated. Multiple purported witnesses reported that they were not. Tackett suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He subsequently returned to full duty with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
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OFFICER BACKGROUND:
Zackary Tackett was an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper. After killing John and Le-Ann Horton in the 07/31/2025 collision, Tackett returned to full duty.
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SOURCE LINKS :

https://athensindependent.com/oshp-albany-crash/
https://athensindependent.com/2025-year-in-review/
https://www.wsaz.com/2025/07/31/elderly-victims-killed-crash-with-oshp-cruiser/