MORROW COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A fatal traffic crash that occurred on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 06:06 AM on State Route 314 near Township Road 49 in Troy Township, Morrow County, is currently under investigation by the Mount Gilead Post.
Joseph Oman, 51, of Mount Gilead, was operating a 2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide northbound on State Route 314. John Thauvette, 47, of Shelby, was operating a 2005 Honda Civic southbound on the same route. Timothy Hale, 27, of Mansfield, was also driving southbound in a 2013 Chevrolet 2500 HD.
According to the initial investigation, Oman crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on with Thauvette. Following this, Hale’s vehicle struck Thauvette’s car from the rear. Oman, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Thauvette, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Med Central in Mansfield by EMS. Hale, also wearing a seatbelt, did not sustain any injuries from the crash. It remains unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Johnsville Fire, Troy Township EMS, Iberia EMS, the Morrow County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The crash remains under investigation.