CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper is in critical condition following a deadly head-on collision on State Route 104 in Ross County that claimed two lives. As the trooper faces a long recovery, his family and friends have launched a fundraiser to ease their financial burden.
The crash occurred just after 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in Union Township when a red Chevy Silverado, driven by Harold R. Smith Jr., 45, of Circleville, crossed the center line and collided with Trooper Gunner Combs’ cruiser. Both vehicles veered off the west side of the road, and Smith’s truck caught fire. Smith died at the scene, while his passenger, Amber D. Aills, 29, of Chillicothe, was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center, where she later died.
Combs sustained critical injuries and was initially taken to Adena Regional Medical Center before being transferred to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. He remains in the ICU, facing multiple surgeries and an extended recovery.
“As some of you may have already heard, Gunner Combs was in a very serious car accident yesterday morning while on duty. Tragically, the others involved did not make it,” a close friend of Combs shared in a statement. “Gunner is currently in the ICU with a long road of recovery ahead, and he is in a hospital two hours away.”
Combs’ wife, Allysha, who is pregnant and caring for their 1-year-old son, Walker, is traveling two hours to be by his side. The community launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $23,000 of its $35,000 goal to cover travel, gas, and living expenses.
“Anyone who knows Allysha and Gunner knows they would give the shirt off their back to help someone else—even a stranger,” the friend said. “They are also preparing to welcome a new baby very soon, while caring for their one-year-old, Walker. On top of that, Allysha will be unable to work as she runs her own business, and she will be traveling back and forth to the hospital while taking care of Walker, their home, the dogs, and preparing for their new addition.”
The friend emphasized the family’s need for support, stating, “Right now, they need all the prayers, love, and support we can give. Any help will aid in taking some burden off their plate. … Any amount is deeply appreciated as they navigate the long road ahead.”
The stretch of SR-104 where the crash occurred is known for frequent accidents, often due to speeding, unsafe passing, or distracted driving. Rumble strips were added in recent years to deter passing in no-passing zones, but crashes remain common. Local resident Forest Richendollar, who has lived along the route for 30 years, estimates 12 to 15 crashes occur annually. Community members have suggested roundabouts, speed cameras, or increased patrols to improve safety.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Fire Department, Union Township Fire Department, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted at the scene, which was cleared by 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.