The Clayton Hughes car accident is one of Dayton’s worst recent crashes. On April 1, a series of collisions near Dayton International Airport left four people dead and another seriously injured. The driver, 26-year-old Clayton D. Hughes of Blacklick, faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide.
Let’s break down what happened, who was affected, and where the case stands today.
What Happened on April 1?
The tragic events unfolded on a spring afternoon near Dayton International Airport. A normal day turned deadly when a Volvo SUV driven by Clayton Hughes began a sequence of dangerous driving behaviors on Interstate 70.
The busy I-70 corridor near the airport serves thousands of travelers daily. It’s a route used by business travelers, airport employees, and families heading on vacations. The area has 40 mph speed limits near the terminal exits—investigators say Hughes drove over twice the speed limit.
Traffic camera footage and witness statements later revealed that Hughes first caused a rear-end collision on I-70 before fleeing that scene and causing the fatal crash minutes later.
Timeline of Events
The crash involved several rapid events:
At about 2:10 PM, Hughes was driving his Volvo SUV on Interstate 70 when he rear-ended a Nissan Frontier. Hughes fled instead of stopping, as the law requires.
Just four minutes later, around 2:14 PM, Hughes exited I-70 onto the airport access roads. Traveling at speeds up to 90 mph in a 40 mph zone, he approached the intersection of Boeing Drive and Terminal Drive. There, Hughes T-boned a Chrysler Pacifica minivan with five people inside.
The collision was devastating. The Chrysler was hit with such force that it was pushed completely off the roadway. First responders arrived fast, but they couldn’t save the victims.
Four of the five people in the Chrysler died at the scene. The fifth person was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries and has been slowly recovering since.
Victims and Community Impact
The four people who lost their lives were friends on their way to the airport for a planned vacation:
Larry Edwards, 77, was a devoted grandfather, his family said, who had recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
Richard Coatney, 77, was a retired factory worker known for his volunteer work with local veterans’ organizations.
Richard Turnbull, 67, left behind a wife who would later file legal action. Friends described him as an avid golfer and community volunteer.
Stephen Cassel, 72, was a former small business owner who neighbors said was always willing to help others.
All four men worked for Enterprise Mobility, a transportation company that provides shuttle services. The company released a statement expressing deep grief and offering counseling to other employees.
The community reacted quickly. Memorials appeared at the crash site, with flowers and photos marking the loss. Local churches held prayer services for the victims’ families. The tragedy united Dayton residents in mourning, with many demanding justice and improved traffic safety measures around the airport.
Charges Against Clayton Hughes
Hughes wasn’t immediately charged following the crash, causing some community frustration. On July 24, a Montgomery County grand jury issued a major indictment.
What charges does he face?
The indictment includes:
- Eight counts of aggravated vehicular homicide (two per victim under different legal rules)
- One count of aggravated vehicular assault
- One count of vehicular assault
- One count of failure to stop after an accident
- One count of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI)
The aggravated vehicular homicide charges are especially serious. Under Ohio law, these charges apply when someone causes a death while driving recklessly or under the influence. The dual charges for each victim reflect different legal standards the prosecution may pursue.
What is the status of court proceedings?
After the July 24 indictment, Hughes was arrested in New Jersey on July 29, where he had apparently traveled for vacation. This triggered an extradition process to return him to Ohio.
After extradition, Hughes was booked into the Montgomery County Jail. At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The judge set a high bail amount due to the severity of the charges and potential flight risk.
Currently, the case is in the pre-trial phase. Hearings have been scheduled for evidence review, and prosecutors are preparing for what could be a lengthy trial. If convicted on all counts, Hughes could face decades in prison.
Investigation and Evidence
The Ohio State Highway Patrol led the crash investigation, using advanced accident reconstruction techniques.
Investigators collected several key pieces of evidence:
- Tests on Hughes’ blood, breath, and urine for drugs or alcohol
- Data from the vehicles’ “black box” recorders that track speed, braking, and steering
- Footage from traffic cameras and nearby businesses
- Statements from people who witnessed both crashes
- Images from Flock safety cameras in the area
Toxicology reports showed Hughes was impaired at the time of the crash, though they haven’t publicly specified the substance or level of impairment.
Crash reconstruction experts determined Hughes was traveling around 90 mph in a 40 mph zone when the fatal collision occurred. This evidence will be crucial in proving the “recklessness” required for the most serious charges.
Civil Lawsuits and Claims
Beyond criminal charges, Hughes also faces civil legal action. Richard Turnbull’s widow has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against him.
The lawsuit alleges:
- Negligence in operating a motor vehicle
- Recklessness through excessive speed
- Wanton misconduct by driving while impaired
- Failure to follow traffic laws and signals
Unlike criminal proceedings, which require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” civil cases use the lower standard of “preponderance of evidence,” making it easier to establish liability.
The lawsuit seeks both compensatory damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship, as well as punitive damages meant to punish especially harmful behavior.
Legal experts note that civil proceedings often move more slowly than criminal cases and may be paused until the criminal case concludes.
Next Steps and What to Expect
As the case moves forward, several key developments are expected:
The criminal trial will likely begin after all pre-trial motions and discovery processes finish. This could take months, as both sides review evidence and possibly bring in expert witnesses.
If convicted, Hughes could face 8 to 15 years for each death, potentially resulting in decades of imprisonment. Under Ohio law, the judge will determine whether sentences run consecutively or concurrently.
The civil lawsuit will proceed separately, though evidence from the criminal trial may impact settlement negotiations.
For families following the case, the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts website provides public access to court filings and hearing dates. Local victim advocacy groups have also established support resources for the families affected by this tragedy.
The Clayton Hughes car accident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered through reckless driving. As both criminal and civil proceedings unfold, the Dayton community continues to mourn the four lives lost and support the families left behind.
