Fort Recovery – A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a local resident on Wednesday night. According to Mercer County Central Dispatch, a 911 call was placed at approximately 11:17 p.m. after a man was found unconscious in a yard near the 100 block of West Butler Street.
Details of the crash
The victim was identified as 33‑year‑old Charles Binegar Jr., a Fort Recovery native. Police reports indicate Binegar was traveling eastbound on West Butler Street on an electric‑assist bicycle when his bike veered off the left side of the roadway. The bike struck a small utility box, causing Binegar to lose control.
After hitting the utility box, Binegar continued onto the sidewalk. The sidewalk in that area is slightly elevated, and the impact caused him to become airborne and be ejected from the bike. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Binegar was pronounced dead at the scene.
Safety considerations
Investigators noted that Binegar was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. While the exact cause of the loss of control has not yet been determined, officials emphasized the importance of helmet use and cautious riding, especially on streets with mixed traffic and uneven sidewalks.
Mercer County officials are treating the incident as a traffic‑related fatality and have opened a standard investigation to determine any contributing factors, such as road conditions, lighting, or potential mechanical issues with the e‑bike.
Community response
The Fort Recovery community expressed sorrow over the loss of a young adult. Local leaders urged residents to practice safe riding habits and to remain vigilant when navigating streets that also serve pedestrians and utility infrastructure.
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information about the crash to contact Mercer County Central Dispatch. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
