Belpre motorcyclist dies in crash
McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on Ohio 377 Wednesday that took the life of a Belpre man.
According to a release from the patrol, the accident took place at about 12:02 p.m. Wednesday on Ohio 377 near County Road 68 in Morgan County.
Police said the preliminary investigation shows a pickup truck driven by Donald Smith, 58, of McConnelsville, was being followed by a motorcycle driven by Robert O. Thomas, 76, of Belpre, at the time of the crash. Both were traveling north at the time.
The truck slowed to turn left onto County Road 68 when it was struck in the left side by the motorcycle attempting to pass in a no passing zone, said police.
Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by the Morgan County coroner. Also assisting on scene were the Pennsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.