Jeremy Heiss: Marietta, Ohio and the Washington County Career Center Mourn the Tragic Loss of the 18-Year-Old Heavy Equipment Student Killed in a Single-Vehicle Accident
Marietta, OH — A cloud of sorrow has fallen over the town of Marietta, Ohio, and its surrounding communities following the devastating and untimely passing of Jeremy Heiss, an 18-year-old student at the Washington County Career Center and a proud graduate of Warren High School. Jeremy was tragically killed in a single-vehicle accident on Friday evening, leaving behind a devastated family, grieving classmates, and an entire region struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young man whose life embodied purpose, promise, and quiet brilliance.
As the community rallies to support his family and honor his memory, Jeremy’s passing is being felt deeply in every corner of Washington County—from the classrooms and workshops of the Career Center to the hallways of Warren High, to the rural roads where Jeremy once rode with hopeful dreams of a meaningful future.
The fatal incident occurred late Friday evening when Jeremy was reportedly driving alone on a rural road in Washington County. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, preliminary investigations suggest that Jeremy’s vehicle left the road and overturned. Emergency responders were dispatched quickly, but tragically, Jeremy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released further details, and foul play is not suspected. Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation. His family, supported by community members, has asked for privacy during this excruciatingly difficult time as they process the sudden loss.
Though Jeremy’s life was tragically cut short, those who knew him are united in their commitment to remember him not for the way he died, but for the extraordinary way he lived.
Jeremy Heiss was more than a student—he was a beloved son, a dependable friend, a curious mind, and a builder of dreams. He was born and raised in the rural heart of southeastern Ohio, where he developed a strong connection to the land, machines, and people around him. From an early age, Jeremy was drawn to how things worked—he tinkered, explored, and asked questions. His fascination with heavy equipment began long before he enrolled in the program that would shape his future.
After graduating from Warren High School in 2023, Jeremy enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operation program at the Washington County Career Center (WCCC), a specialized track that allowed him to combine classroom knowledge with hands-on technical training. It was here that Jeremy truly began to shine.
“Jeremy was a natural,” said Mark Cline, one of his instructors at WCCC. “He had this uncanny ability to understand machinery—he didn’t just operate equipment; he felt it. He could read a site, understand a schematic, troubleshoot an engine—all while staying calm, focused, and positive. That’s rare in someone so young.”
Peers described Jeremy as humble and hard-working, someone who kept his head down but whose quiet competence never went unnoticed. “He was the guy everyone wanted on their team,” said fellow student Logan Morris. “He didn’t have to talk a lot. His work spoke for him.”
A Legacy of Integrity, Hard Work, and Compassion
Jeremy’s integrity and work ethic were admired across both his educational and personal life. Teachers described him as respectful, diligent, and always willing to help. He showed up early, stayed late, and never backed away from a challenge. Whether it was a difficult assignment, a malfunctioning machine, or a peer in need of guidance, Jeremy responded with patience and care.
“He never wanted recognition,” said Mrs. Connie Delaney, a student advisor at the Career Center. “But you couldn’t miss him. That easy smile, that steady hand—Jeremy was a grounding presence. When he spoke, you listened. When he offered help, you accepted it. And when he laughed, the whole room felt lighter.”
Outside of school, Jeremy was equally dependable. He helped neighbors with odd jobs, took on summer work in construction and landscaping, and was known for volunteering to help fix engines, clear brush, or offer a ride when someone was stranded.
His family often spoke of his quiet compassion and fierce loyalty. Jeremy was especially close with his younger siblings and had dreams of one day starting his own contracting business—not for fame or wealth, but to build a stable, independent life for himself and the people he loved most.
An Entire Community in Mourning
The news of Jeremy’s passing spread quickly through Marietta and Washington County, bringing tears, silence, and a sense of shared loss to all who knew him. Candlelight vigils were held at both Warren High School and the Washington County Career Center over the weekend, with hundreds attending to pay tribute to a life that, while short, left an indelible mark.
At the vigil held outside WCCC’s Heavy Equipment Operations building, classmates lit candles and placed hard hats and safety vests at the base of a bulldozer Jeremy had once operated. A moment of silence was observed, followed by a series of emotional tributes from classmates and teachers.
“He made us better,” said Heavy Equipment program coordinator Dale Hatcher. “Better operators, better students, better people. He set a bar—not by trying to outshine others, but by being the kind of person we all wanted to be.”
Warren Local Schools also released a statement mourning Jeremy’s death and recognizing his contributions to the school community. “Jeremy Heiss was a model student—disciplined, respectful, and engaged. His loss is immeasurable, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Local businesses, fire departments, and civic organizations joined in honoring Jeremy by flying flags at half-staff, changing signage to memorial messages, and sponsoring meals and support for the Heiss family.
Family Remembers a Son with Dreams and Depth
Jeremy is survived by his parents, two younger siblings, and extended family who have described him as a loving, thoughtful, and reliable son and brother. In a statement shared through a family friend, the Heiss family expressed their gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support and shared a glimpse into the boy behind the smile.
“Jeremy had a mind for machines and a heart for people. He worked hard and loved deeper than he showed. He made us proud every day—not because of what he did, but because of who he was. We are shattered, but we are grateful to have had 18 beautiful years with him.”
Honoring His Legacy Through Action
In honor of Jeremy’s legacy, the Washington County Career Center has announced the establishment of The Jeremy Heiss Memorial Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting future students in the Heavy Equipment Operation program. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who demonstrates the same character traits that defined Jeremy: integrity, work ethic, and a passion for hands-on learning.
A scholarship committee—composed of WCCC staff, local business owners, and members of the Heiss family—will oversee the selection process, ensuring that Jeremy’s name continues to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
In addition, several local contractors and trades organizations have pledged donations and apprenticeship opportunities in Jeremy’s name, calling attention to the dignity and skill of career and technical education.
Funeral Services and Community Support
Funeral services for Jeremy Heiss will be held on Wednesday at Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with visitation scheduled for Tuesday evening. A procession of construction vehicles, driven by classmates and local operators, will follow the hearse in a symbolic farewell.
The community has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Heiss family with funeral costs and to support the scholarship fund. Within 24 hours, the campaign surpassed its initial goal—reflecting the breadth of love and solidarity Jeremy inspired.
Gone Too Soon, But Never Forgotten
Though the physical presence of Jeremy Heiss is no longer with us, his spirit continues in every handshake he offered, every challenge he faced with grit, every friend he encouraged with a smile. He was, in every sense, a builder—not just of roads and structures, but of relationships, trust, and hope.
As the town of Marietta moves forward, it does so with one less pair of boots on the ground—but a legacy in the sky, reminding them to work hard, live quietly, and love deeply, just like Jeremy did.
Rest in peace, Jeremy Heiss. You will never be forgotten.