PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A Kentucky man died as a result of a car accident on Route 23 in Pickaway County early on September 4, 2024. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office reports that 911 dispatchers received a call about the crash around 3:30 a.m.
According to officials, 53-year-old Eric A. Payne of Paris, Kentucky, was driving a 2012 silver Ford Focus southbound on US 23, just north of Hagerty Road. For reasons still under investigation, Payne’s vehicle veered off the roadway to the left, rolled over, and struck a crossover, causing the car to become airborne. The Ford Focus eventually landed on its wheels and continued south before coming to a stop in the median.
While other vehicles in the area struck debris from the crash, they were not directly involved in the initial accident. Payne was initially transported to OhioHealth Berger Hospital by Harrison Township EMS. He was later airlifted to Grant Medical Center by MedFlight.
Despite medical efforts, Eric Payne succumbed to his injuries on September 6, 2024, and was pronounced dead at Grant Medical Center. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
