Highland County officials confirmed a tragic traffic accident on Saturday afternoon that claimed the life of a 67‑year‑old driver and left a child passenger with injuries.

Crash details

State troopers from the Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) responded to a report of a crash at approximately 1:35 p.m. on New Vienna Road near the intersection with Gist Settlement Road. According to OSHP, the driver, identified as Jeffrey Harris, was operating a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck westbound.

Investigators say the truck left the left side of the roadway, collided with a telephone box, crossed the road, then veered off the right side and entered a ditch before coming to a final stop in a farm field. Medics arrived on scene shortly after the crash.

Casualties

Troopers pronounced Mr. Harris dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger in the truck, who was identified only as a child, sustained injuries but was not reported as critically wounded. The child was transported to a local medical facility for treatment.

Investigation ongoing

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. No further details have been released regarding possible factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver impairment.

Residents of Highland County were reminded to exercise caution while traveling on rural roadways, especially during periods of increased traffic. The OSHP encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact their local office.

Community response

Local officials expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver and offered support to the injured child’s family. The community has been urged to come together in prayer and to support one another during this difficult time.

Highland County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.