Darren Hayes, 57, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away tragically on the morning of August 30, 2024, in a devastating accident involving his semi-truck in Springdale, Ohio. Darren, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was widely recognized for his dedication to his profession and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. His unexpected and untimely death has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Born on May 10, 1967, Darren was a lifelong resident of Miamisburg. He grew up in a close-knit community where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility from a young age. Darren was the eldest of three children and often took on the role of protector and guide for his younger siblings. His parents, George and Linda Hayes, instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness—traits that Darren carried with him throughout his life.
After graduating from Miamisburg High School in 1985, Darren pursued a career in the trucking industry. He began working for a local transportation company, where he quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and skilled driver. Darren’s colleagues admired him not only for his expertise behind the wheel but also for his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Over the years, he became known as a mentor to younger drivers, always ready to share his knowledge and experience.
Darren’s career spanned over three decades, during which he drove countless miles across the country. His dedication to his work was unmatched, and he took great pride in delivering goods safely and efficiently. Despite the demanding nature of his job, Darren always found time for his family, who were the center of his world. He married his high school sweetheart, Lisa, in 1989, and the couple went on to build a beautiful life together. Their love story was one of mutual respect, understanding, and deep affection, and they were often described as a perfect match.
The couple was blessed with two children, Michael and Emily, both of whom Darren adored. He was a hands-on father, always present for their important milestones, from school events to sporting activities. Darren’s children recall him as a supportive and loving father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and instilled in them the same values he held dear. As his children grew older and started families of their own, Darren embraced his role as a grandfather with joy and enthusiasm. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he relished every moment spent with them, whether it was playing in the yard, reading bedtime stories, or simply enjoying their company.
In addition to his family and career, Darren was an active member of his community. He was a regular attendee at local church services and participated in various community outreach programs. Darren believed in giving back and often volunteered his time to support local causes, including food drives, charity events, and mentoring programs for young people. His kindness and generosity touched many lives, and he was respected and loved by all who knew him.
On the morning of August 30, 2024, Darren was involved in a tragic accident on the exit ramp from eastbound Interstate 275 to Springfield Pike in Springdale. Darren had parked his disabled Kenworth truck on the right shoulder of the ramp and was standing beside it when a Volvo tractor-trailer veered onto the emergency shoulder, colliding with him and his truck. The impact of the collision knocked Darren to the ground, and he was tragically pinned beneath the tires of his own vehicle. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Darren succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The news of Darren’s passing sent shockwaves through the Miamisburg community and the broader trucking industry. Colleagues, friends, and family members were left in disbelief at the sudden and tragic loss of a man who had touched so many lives. Tributes poured in from all corners, with many recalling Darren’s kindness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to his work and his loved ones.
Darren’s funeral service will be held on September 5, 2024, at St. Mark’s Church in Miamisburg, where family, friends, and community members will gather to honor his life and legacy. The service will be a celebration of Darren’s life, reflecting the love and respect he earned throughout his 57 years. He will be laid to rest at Miamisburg Cemetery, beside his parents, George and Linda, who preceded him in death.
Darren is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa; his children, Michael (Sarah) Hayes and Emily (Jacob) Parker; his grandchildren, Olivia, Ethan, and Noah; his siblings, James (Karen) Hayes and Susan (Robert) Miller; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Truckers Against Trafficking organization, a cause Darren was passionate about. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Springdale Fire Department and all first responders who worked tirelessly to assist Darren in his final moments.
As the Miamisburg community comes to terms with this tragic loss, Darren Hayes will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will continue to inspire those who knew him. His life, though tragically cut short, was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and community, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Darren Hayes was known to those closest to him as a man of unwavering principle. His integrity was something that those who knew him could always count on. Whether it was a small act of honesty in everyday life or a major decision impacting his career, Darren lived by a code of ethics that set a strong example for others. He believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult, and he imparted this lesson to his children, who often sought his advice on matters both big and small.
His career as a truck driver was more than just a job; it was a calling that Darren embraced with a passion that few could match. He understood the importance of his work, knowing that he played a critical role in keeping the wheels of commerce moving across the nation. Darren often spoke about the sense of freedom he felt while driving, the long stretches of highway where he could reflect on life and enjoy the solitude of the open road. Yet, despite the solitary nature of his profession, Darren was never alone. He had built a network of friends within the trucking community, and these bonds were strengthened by shared experiences and mutual respect.
One of Darren’s proudest achievements was his mentorship of younger drivers. He took great satisfaction in knowing that he had helped shape the careers of many in the industry. His approach was always patient and understanding, recognizing that every new driver faced challenges that only experience could overcome. Darren’s mentees often spoke of his willingness to go above and beyond, offering not only professional guidance but also personal support when needed. He believed in the importance of passing down knowledge and experience, and his impact on the trucking community will be felt for many years to come.
Darren’s relationship with his wife, Lisa, was the cornerstone of his life. Their partnership was built on mutual respect and a deep love that had only grown stronger over the years. Darren often said that Lisa was his rock, the one person he could always count on no matter what. They shared a bond that was evident to all who knew them—a bond that was unshakable, even in the face of life’s challenges. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Emily, who were the pride and joy of Darren’s life. He was a devoted father, always making time for his children despite the demanding nature of his job. Whether it was coaching Little League or attending school plays, Darren was there, providing unwavering support and encouragement.
As a grandfather, Darren found a new sense of purpose and joy. His grandchildren, Olivia, Ethan, and Noah, brought a light into his life that was unmistakable. He cherished every moment with them, whether it was teaching them how to fish, taking them for rides in his truck, or simply sitting with them on the porch and sharing stories. Darren’s love for his grandchildren was a reflection of the love he had for his own children, and he took great pride in watching them grow and develop into the people they were becoming.
Beyond his family and career, Darren was deeply involved in his community. He believed in giving back and often volunteered his time and resources to help those in need. Darren was a familiar face at local charity events, and his generosity was well-known. He had a particular passion for Truckers Against Trafficking, an organization that worked to combat human trafficking within the trucking industry. Darren felt strongly about the cause, believing that truck drivers had a unique opportunity to make a difference in this fight. His involvement in the organization was yet another example of his commitment to doing what was right, even when it wasn’t easy.
In the days following Darren’s passing, the outpouring of support from the Miamisburg community has been overwhelming. Friends, family, and colleagues have all come forward to share their memories of Darren, each story painting a picture of a man who lived his life with purpose and integrity. Many have spoken of his kindness, his willingness to help others, and his ability to make those around him feel valued and appreciated. These stories are a testament to the impact that Darren had on those who knew him, and they offer a glimpse into the legacy he leaves behind.
As the community prepares to say their final goodbyes, Darren’s family takes comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through the many lives he touched. His death is a tragic loss, but his life was one filled with love, dedication, and service. Darren Hayes may be gone, but his legacy will endure, a lasting reminder of the power of kindness, the importance of family, and the value of a life well-lived.
In the days and weeks to come, Darren’s family will continue to mourn his loss, but they will also celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. They will remember him as a man who was always there for those he loved, who took pride in his work, and who believed in the importance of giving back to his community. Darren Hayes was a man of integrity, a man of kindness, and a man of love. His life was a testament to the values he held dear, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
