TOLEDO, OH — June 15, 2025 — A tragic motorcycle crash on Sunday afternoon claimed the life of a Toledo man and caused significant traffic disruptions at one of the city’s busiest highway interchanges. The fatal incident occurred just before 3:00 p.m. on the I-475 eastbound ramp merging onto I-75 northbound — a curved stretch of roadway known for its high speeds and challenging transitions.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local first responders, the victim has been identified as 66-year-old Richard Sartor, a longtime resident of Toledo and a passionate motorcyclist. Authorities reported that Sartor was traveling eastbound on I-475 when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of his motorcycle while attempting to navigate the northbound entrance ramp to I-75.

Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Sartor appeared to be traveling at a moderate speed, but may have overcorrected or encountered uneven pavement near the curve. His motorcycle veered abruptly, collided with the guardrail, and ejected him onto the shoulder of the ramp. Emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, including paramedics, fire crews, and law enforcement officers from both the Toledo Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Despite their rapid response and efforts to resuscitate Sartor, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash prompted authorities to close the ramp for several hours, leading to a major traffic backup as investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear the wreckage. Motorists were redirected to alternate routes, and traffic remained congested well into the early evening.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) assisted with the closure and issued advisories to avoid the area via message boards and social media updates.

Authorities have not indicated whether weather, road conditions, or mechanical failure played a role in the accident. However, the crash remains under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Crash Reconstruction Unit. Toxicology reports and further technical assessments are expected in the coming weeks.

Family members of Richard Sartor were notified Sunday evening. Known for his warm demeanor and love of the open road, Sartor was a retired auto technician who had spent decades working at local repair shops throughout the Toledo area. Friends say he loved motorcycles since his youth and was often seen riding across Lucas County during weekends, especially in the warmer months.

“He was experienced. He wasn’t reckless — not by any means,” said family friend Greg Holloway, who often rode with Sartor on Sunday afternoon outings. “He just loved riding. It gave him peace. It breaks all our hearts that something he loved so much is what took him.”

Community members and fellow riders are planning a candlelight vigil in Sartor’s memory at a local park later this week. Organizers say it will be a chance to honor not just his life, but also to raise awareness about motorcycle safety and the dangers of complex highway interchanges.

As Toledo mourns the sudden loss of a seasoned motorcyclist and beloved neighbor, authorities continue to urge drivers — especially those on motorcycles — to use extreme caution when navigating high-speed ramps and merging areas.

Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken with investigators is encouraged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Toledo Post.

Richard Sartor is survived by his two adult children, four grandchildren, and a close-knit circle of friends who describe him as loyal, humble, and full of life. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the family in the coming days.