A central Ohio church is grieving the loss of Pastor Joseph Stoll after he died from injuries sustained in a bicycle crash earlier this month in Delaware County.
According to a report by WBNS, the crash occurred shortly before 9 a.m. July 3 at the intersection of state Route 3 and Big Walnut Road in Genoa Township.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said a 2019 Freightliner commercial vehicle was stopped at a red light on Big Walnut Road before proceeding west when the signal turned green. At the same time, Stoll was riding north on a nearby bike path and began traveling west. Investigators said he attempted to cross Big Walnut Road without stopping and was struck by the truck.
Witness Jermay Gibson, who was stopped at the intersection, said he rushed to Stoll’s side moments after the collision.
“I just kind of tried to grab his head and hold him still and tell him he’ll be okay, just hold on a little bit and he’ll be alright,” Gibson said.
Gibson also said the cyclist appeared to enter the intersection without slowing down.
“It was green for me. About two seconds later, he came out of the shadows and he was hit,” Gibson said.
The highway patrol later confirmed that the truck driver will not be cited in connection with the crash. Troopers also said they plan to recommend safety improvements for the heavily used bike-path crossing.
Order Your Copy of The Spiritual Warfare Bible on Amazon.com!
As the investigation concluded, members of Genoa Church began mourning the loss of the pastor they knew as a faithful shepherd, friend and encourager.
Associate Pastor Scott Lewald remembered Stoll’s consistent character both in ministry and everyday life.
“He’s the nicest, godliest man I’ve ever met,” Lewald said. “It doesn’t feel real. It still feels like he’s gonna walk in the door tomorrow and with his smile riding his bicycle and talk about what he ate for dinner last night.”
While grieving, Lewald also spoke of the church’s hope rooted in Christ.
“He’s not hurting, he’s not sick, he has complete healing and he’s in heaven and so we rejoice with him for that. But, we miss our friend, we miss our coworker, we miss our pastor,” he said.
As Genoa Church, Stoll’s family and the surrounding community continue to mourn, please pray that God would bring His peace and comfort to all who loved him, strengthen the congregation in the days ahead and surround his family with His presence during this difficult season.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
