Josh Taylor, a sophomore wrestler at Otterbein University, tragically passed away in a car accident on January 1, 2025.
Taylor, 19, was involved in a crash in Hebron when his car lost control and collided with another vehicle.
Highlights
- Josh Taylor’s parents, Andy and Melissa, and his three siblings are devastated by his passing and are struggling to accept his absence.
- His mother, Melissa, a teacher, often shared her son’s achievements on her Twitter account.
- His brother, Robby, has followed in his footsteps, striving to become Lakewood’s best wrestler.
Despite emergency responders’ efforts, he died at the scene. The driver of the other car sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
The news has left his family, friends, and teammates deeply saddened as they begin the new year without him.
A talented wrestler and a dedicated student, Taylor was known for his hard work and positive attitude both on and off the mat.
His coaches and teammates remembered him as a strong athlete and a close friend who inspired those around him.
The Otterbein Wrestling Community And Family Grieve The Loss Of Josh Taylor
Taylor’s loss has left an enormous void in the Otterbein wrestling community.
This is a post no coach ever wants to make. In a heartbreaking start to 2025 we have lost sophomore wrestling Fam1ly member Josh Taylor to a fatal car accident today. Please keep his parents Melissa and Andy and Josh’s siblings in your thoughts during this very difficult time. We will post funeral arrangements once they are made available. Hug your loved ones tonight.
Otterbein University Wrestling
So very, very sad and so young! Sending prayers to the Taylor family during this very very difficult time for the loss of their son!
Bonita Steve Jenkins
Josh Taylor’s parents, Andy and Melissa, along with his three siblings are heartbroken over the loss of their son and brother.
The family, who supported Josh throughout his wrestling career and academic journey, is now facing unimaginable grief.
His mother, Melissa, a teacher, often shared her son’s achievements on her Twitter account, proudly celebrating his successes on and off the mat.
Similarly, his brother, Robby, and his sister, Maggie, have followed in his footsteps, striving to become some of Lakewood’s best athletes.
Maggie Taylor stood out at the LCL Championships, earning 2nd place in the 3200-meter race.
Josh Taylor hailed from Hebron Lakewood, and throughout his high school career, he earned a district placement and racked up over 100 wins.
Congratulations Josh Taylor @Josh61748263 with you 100th career win! @LWHSLancers pic.twitter.com/yb3SIfNdfl
— Melissa (@MelissaT4kids) February 25, 2023
Also, he took first place at the Galion Wrestling Tournament, showcasing his skills on the mat with a standout performance.
In 2022, he was one of the standout wrestlers selected to represent Lakewood High School at the Central District All-Star Meet at Dublin Jerome High School.
Taylor earned this honor for his impressive wrestling skills along with Corey Rafferty and Keegan Jacks.
A year ago, in March 2023, Taylor announced that he would continue his academic and athletic journey at Otterbein University.
I am happy to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at Otterbein University! Thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for making me better every day! I can’t wait to get started! @CardyWrestling @LWHSLancers @LakewoodWrestl1
Josh Taylor
The same year, he went undefeated, 5-0, at Western Brown’s Hammer and Anvil Tournament and took home the Championship Belt.
Sophomore Josh Taylor went undefeated in the freshman/sophomore 174-pound bracket, winning all three of his matches by fall.
He pinned Penn State Behrend’s Matthew Melchior in 3:30, Cortland State’s Gavin Seiler in 2:32, and Marymount’s Joseph Alexander in just 1:02.
As the community deals with the loss, preparations are being made for a memorial service and special tributes at the school to honor Josh’s hardworking and passionate spirit.
Additional Information
- When Josh Taylor was in 8th grade, he earned 3rd place in the 134-pound weight class at the Heath Middle School Invitational in 2018.
- In 2023, he secured 1st place in the 165-pound weight class at the Hammer and Anvil Invitational at Western Brown High School.
- His victory helped boost the Lakewood Lancer Wrestling team to a tie for 12th place overall in the competition.
