On a quiet Wednesday afternoon in Mentor, Ohio, a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 eastbound shattered the calm, claiming the life of 85-year-old James Kephart and leaving a community in mourning. The collision, which unfolded around 3:30 p.m. on August 13, 2025, near State Route 306, transformed a routine drive into a scene of chaos, heroism, and heartbreak.
The Mentor Police Department reports that the tragedy began when a 2018 Jeep Latitude, driven by Kephart, a beloved resident of Geneva, Ohio, rear-ended a 2025 Toyota RAV4. The impact sent the RAV4 careening into another vehicle in the same lane, sparking a chain reaction of destruction. The Jeep, unable to stop, continued its path, striking a trailer towed by a semi-truck and a 2017 Ford Focus before finally coming to a halt amidst the wreckage. The force of the collisions left the roadway littered with debris, closing I-90 eastbound for nearly two and a half hours as emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the scene.
In the midst of the chaos, two strangers became unsung heroes. Witnesses to the crash, they rushed to the mangled Jeep and pulled Kephart from the driver’s seat, their quick thinking offering a fleeting glimmer of hope. Mentor Fire Department paramedics swiftly transported him to Mentor Cleveland Clinic Hospital, but despite their valiant efforts and those of the medical staff, Kephart succumbed to his injuries. His death sent ripples of grief through his tight-knit Geneva community, where friends and neighbors remember him as a vibrant, kind-hearted man who lived life with enthusiasm and cherished his connections with others.
Two occupants of the Toyota RAV4 were also injured in the crash, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken to UH Lake West Hospital in Willoughby for treatment, though their identities remain undisclosed as the investigation continues. The cause of the collision is still under scrutiny, with Mentor police exploring potential factors such as a medical emergency, road conditions, or mechanical issues. No detail is too small as investigators piece together the moments leading up to the tragedy.
The crash brought traffic to a standstill, with lanes closed between State Route 306 and State Route 615, leaving drivers stranded in hours-long delays. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s live cameras captured the slow crawl of vehicles, a stark reminder of the incident’s far-reaching impact. Yet, amidst the frustration, the actions of those who stopped to help stood out as a testament to the strength of community spirit.
Mentor police have expressed deep gratitude to the good Samaritans who risked their safety to aid Kephart, their bravery a beacon of hope in a dark moment. Authorities are now calling on the public for assistance, urging anyone with dashcam footage or additional information about the crash to come forward. Such evidence could prove critical in unraveling the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking loss.
As the investigation presses on, the memory of James Kephart lingers in the hearts of those who knew him. A man who lived fully, his absence leaves a void in Geneva, where stories of his warmth and vitality continue to echo. For now, the community holds tight to the courage shown by strangers on I-90, a reminder that even in tragedy, humanity shines through.
