CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a man in Huntington Township over the weekend, releasing its first public statement nearly five days after the incident.
Sheriff George Lavender on Thursday identified the victim as 49-year-old Joshua R. Hopkins and said the investigation remains ongoing.
According to Lavender, Hopkins was struck by a vehicle that left the roadway and entered his yard in the 5800 block of Denver Road at about 8 p.m. Saturday. The driver fled the scene. Investigators believe the vehicle involved was a truck, though no further description was released.
“I ask that anyone with information call my office,” Lavender said in a written statement, providing the Ross County Sheriff’s Office number, 740-773-1185, and Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
The sheriff’s statement came after reporting by the Guardian and growing public pressure on social media questioning the lack of information released by authorities.
Family members of Hopkins told the Guardian they feel they have been left in the dark about the investigation. Residents in and around Huntington Township have expressed frustration online, with some accusing the sheriff’s office of a lack of transparency and others calling for Lavender’s removal.
The crash occurred on Denver Road near Mt. Tabor. Friends and relatives of Hopkins wrote on social media that he was standing in his yard when he was struck.
While law enforcement had not formally identified the victim prior to Thursday, family members launched a GoFundMe campaign naming Hopkins as the victim and asking for help with expenses. Relatives also posted appeals on Facebook urging residents to watch for a vehicle — possibly a larger truck — with damage in the area.
The sheriff’s office has not released an incident report or additional details about the investigation. No arrests have been made.
Community members have offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
