CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor traffic crash that led to the death of an 87-year-old Chillicothe man on Monday.
Troopers responded to a report at 11:55 a.m. in the 7000 block of Walnut Creek Road in Colerain Township in Ross County. A witness reported that Ralyn Barnhart was injured outside his vehicle, according to authorities.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office, along with Colerain Township EMS and Fire Department, arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but Barnhart was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate Barnhart’s 2006 Dodge 2500 pickup veered off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree, resulting in minor vehicle damage. Authorities say Barnhart was not injured in the crash and may have suffered a medical episode that led to his death.
The investigation is ongoing.