MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A two-vehicle crash at a Marion County intersection left a local motorcyclist dead and a teenager injured Monday evening, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:08 p.m. on May 18, 2026, at the intersection of State Route 4 and White Oaks Road in Pleasant Township.
State troopers reported that a red 2011 Kia Forte, driven by a 16-year-old juvenile, was traveling northbound on State Route 4. The preliminary investigation indicates the teenager failed to yield while attempting to make a left turn onto White Oaks Road, crossing into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
The motorcycle, a black 2017 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse driven by 54-year-old Shawn R. Woolum of Marion, was traveling southbound on State Route 4. Woolum’s motorcycle struck the Kia Forte, causing him to be thrown from the vehicle.
Pleasant Township EMS transported Woolum to Marion General Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities noted that Woolum was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
The 16-year-old driver was transported by Marion Township EMS to Marion General Hospital with minor injuries.
Emergency crews from Pleasant Township Fire and EMS, Marion Township EMS, Kirby’s Towing, and Precision Towing assisted state troopers at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Marion Post continues to investigate the crash.