CINCINNATI, OHIO — The semi-truck driver who died Sunday evening after his truck crashed into a wall and caught fire on Fort Washington Way near the Lytle Tunnel has been identified by his family as Marvin Poole, known to loved ones as “Big Marv.” He leaves behind five children.
New dashcam footage obtained from a driver who was directly behind the truck shows the moments leading up to the crash and the desperate rescue attempt that followed.
What the Dashcam Shows
Randall Ross was driving behind the semi on northbound Fort Washington Way when the truck began to veer onto the shoulder, crossed into the left lane, struck the guardrail, then crossed back to the right and slammed into a concrete wall — sending sparks flying before coming to a violent stop under I-471. Ross immediately ran out of his vehicle and onto the interstate to try to help.
Ross said Poole was already unconscious when he reached the truck. He jumped up and pulled on the door as other Good Samaritans stopped to help. Multiple people reached through the window in a desperate attempt to free the driver. But the growing flames made rescue impossible. Poole had become tangled in his seatbelt. Ross said after several minutes, the group realized they had done all they could. They stepped back and watched helplessly as the flames grew. Ross said he required medical attention following his efforts. He provided all four dashcam videos to investigators.
Poole’s mother wrote on social media: “Thank you all for trying to save my son. So heartbroken.” His brother expressed gratitude for the rescuers on his personal page. “My family and I are incredibly thankful for your courageous act; there are no words to fully convey our appreciation,” he wrote.
Family Tributes
Poole’s brother Lloyd wrote: “My mother just broke the news and I was waiting for her to acknowledge that we lost my brother Marvin Poole today. And it sucks so bad — I was all hyped up to celebrate my birthday coming up in 5 days and now I’ll never be able to celebrate it fully again. I didn’t always get along with Big Maav, but I always loved Marvin. My heart so heavy. Rest in power to my brother Marvin. Your legacy lives on in your 5 children and everyone whose life you impacted. I’m hurting knowing what you went through. I love you Marv.”
The mother of one of Poole’s children also posted: “I really can’t believe that you’re gone. I know we never saw eye to eye. But this feels so unreal. Thank you for giving me our son and I’m going to continue to do my best to raise our boy into a respectful man. Sleep in peace, Big Marv.”
Background
The crash occurred at approximately 6:51 p.m. on Sunday on northbound I-71 near the Lytle Tunnel entrance, not far from Heritage Bank Center. The truck struck a barrier wall, caught fire, and trapped Poole inside the cab. Cincinnati Fire Department crews arrived approximately six minutes after the crash — longer than typical due to the difficult location. Smoke and flames were visible from miles away. Despite the severity of the fire, ODOT confirmed no structural damage to the overpass or roadway. I-71 and U.S. 50 have since reopened. The crash remains under investigation by Cincinnati Police.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
