Ohio: Deputy continues to heal after being struck by vehicle on U.S. 33

More than a month after Fairfield County Deputy Lyle Campbell was hit by a car on the job, he’s grateful to be alive.  It happened November 23 along US 33 near the Pickerington Road intersection. Campbell and local business owner 46-year-old Bill Allman were both hit by a vehicle being driven by a 69-year-old man from Houston. The crash is still under investigation.

“I really thought I was going to lay there and die on the road,” says Campbell.

He knows he’s lucky to be alive. Five weeks ago the Fairfield County Deputy was dispatched to a minor fender bender.

Campbell says, “The accident probably occurred because of a road rage incident.”

But as Campbell was wrapping up the investigation he Allman were hit. Campbell says Allman was not part of any possible road rage. Allman died just two days later.

“It’s tough enough to lose someone that you love…let alone with Thanksgiving, Christmas and all that,” says Campbell.

The crash broke Campbell’s lower right leg in three places, broke several ribs and lacerated his spleen. He also had a severe concussion and deep road rash all over his body. Nearly five weeks later the father of two is still using crutches or a wheelchair, and has intense dizzy spells. But Campbell is a grateful man.

“Even when days are bad, I’m just thankful. I mean how many people get hit by a car going 50 and survive,” he says.

Over the holidays he’s spending lots of time with 9-year-old Bryce and 2-year-old Karter. He says Bryce has been his extra set of hands. Campbell hopes to be back on full duty as soon as possible. He says his extended law enforcement family has been incredible and says he’s grateful for every silent pray someone sent his way.

“I know there’s been people out there praying, even if they didn’t tell me they were, I know they were, and it really is uplifting,” says Campbell.

But Campbel’s prayers go up for the Allman family. “This was a minor accident that led to the death of another human being,” he says. Campbell wants to send two messages after his accident. First, stay calm behind the wheel. He says road rage isn’t worth it. Second, if you see flashing lights or a vehicle parked along the side of the road move over.