In Loving Memory of Zachary D. Williams
With heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Zachary D. Williams, a 20-year-old young man whose life was tragically cut short in a single-vehicle crash in Tuscarawas County. Zachary’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the wider community—one that words can scarcely fill.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11 a.m. on December 29 along U.S. Route 36 near milepost 9 in Salem Township. A concerned caller reported a vehicle that had gone over an embankment, and responding units located the scene shortly before 11:30 a.m. Investigators identified the vehicle as a GMC Sierra pickup truck that had been traveling westbound before crossing the centerline, leaving the roadway, descending an embankment, and striking several trees. Zachary was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities confirmed that both the vehicle and Zachary matched a missing person report filed the previous evening by the Newcomerstown Police Department. What began as a search filled with hope ended in heartbreak, bringing devastating news to those who were waiting for him to come home.
While investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor and noted that Zachary was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the collision, these details do not define who he was. Zachary was more than the circumstances of his passing—he was a son, a friend, a young man with a future full of promise. He was someone who mattered deeply to the people who knew and loved him, someone whose laughter, presence, and dreams will be forever missed.
In moments like these, the pain of loss is immeasurable. The community mourns alongside Zachary’s loved ones, offering prayers, compassion, and support as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His memory serves as a solemn reminder of how precious and fragile life can be, and how important it is to cherish one another every day.
May Zachary D. Williams rest in eternal peace. May his family find strength in love, comfort in shared memories, and solace in knowing that he will never be forgotten. His light lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.