Semi-Finalist for Best Semi-Truck Driver Gets Hit by Semi
On September 10th, 2025, it was reported that Tom “T–Bone” Benson, semi-finalist in the Ford sponsored “Best Semi-Truck Driver” contest, was tragically struck by a semi-truck off I-90 near the Wisconsin Dells. Benson, one of the largest advocates for semi-truck accessibility and affordability in America, was on his way to the semi-finals when another semi-truck lost control. Ironically enough, the other driver t-boned directly into the driver’s side of Benson’s semi-truck vehicle.
Benson was rushed to the hospital as he was in critical condition and was only semi-alive. The doctors unfortunately could not save Benson in time, and was pronounced dead at 12:23pm.
The semi-CEO (CFO), Fende R. Bender, published a statement on behalf of the contest saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. T-Bone (Benson) was a leader and proud supporter of semi-truck affordability and accessibility in the United States. A good man was lost too soon.” However, this statement caused massive controversy on social media and news outlets. T-Bone had a reputation for advocating for semi-trucks, but has also been associated with several policies that bring dangerous semi-trucks into American homes. A quote from T-Bone Benson in 2015 states: “I think everyone having a semi-truck is worth it for some deaths-by-semi-trucks every year.” Many people took to social media platforms to share their thoughts on the matter:
“I would never wish death upon T-Bone Benson. However, I’m not really that upset. He sold my aunt a semi-truck for very cheap back in 2018, and she crashed into our neighbor’s house the day she bought it because she only semi-knew how to drive. She didn’t even have a driver’s license.” - @CheveronLuver777
“I really enjoyed the “Best Semi-Truck Driver” competitions when I was younger. It was fun to take a roadtrip to the Dells every year with my dad, but I only semi-agreed with Benson’s takes. One year, I met him on my college campus because he would start arguments with people about what the ideal mode of transportation would be. I told him that my favorite car is a Subaru, and he called the cops on me. He’s also pretty racist.” - @SemiProDriver_9
The other semi-truck driver who crashed into Benson was revealed to be a 22-year-old white male named Headon C. Ollision. The DNA samples and statements from his family members revealed that the semi-truck he was driving only semi-belonged to him, as it was paid for by his grandfather. Later, more information about Ollision’s personal life was released. In the semi-truck, it was rumoured he had installed a Bluetooth FM TRANSmitter. This was looked down upon by his family as they were proud believers of driving in silence.
In the midst of uncertainty and tragedy, we know one thing for certain, folks. Semi-trucks, as glamorous and accessible as they are, take lives. Every year, all the time. That statement shouldn’t even be semi-controversial. Stay safe on the roads, and buckle those seatbelts.