ODOT worker struck by vehicle while mowing in Jackson County

JACKSON, Ohio – On August 14, 2024, at 9:12 a.m., troopers from the Jackson Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 32 near State Route 93 in Jackson County.

Dennis Pearce, 67, from Jackson, Ohio, was driving a 2021 John Deere 6110 tractor westbound on State Route 32, mowing for the Ohio Department of Transportation and navigating around a bridge pillar. Meanwhile, Robert Stewart, 83, from Hamden, Ohio, was driving a 2022 Toyota Highlander in the same direction on State Route 32. Mr. Stewart’s vehicle collided with the rear of Mr. Pearce’s bush hog, causing his car to overturn. Mr. Stewart’s vehicle then veered off the left side of the road, hit a guardrail, and came to a stop.

Mr. Stewart was taken to Holzer Medical Center with minor injuries, while Mr. Pearce was unharmed.