(Police Reports - Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)

WARREN TWP. – An 18-year-old Lowell man died Wednesday in a motorcycle crash.

Cole D. Wheeler was pronounced dead at the scene on Ohio 676 near Warren Chapel Road in Warren Township, according to a release from the Marietta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:57 p.m. Wednesday and involved a 2024 Kawasaki Z-500 motorcycle, operated by Wheeler. The investigation found Wheeler was traveling east on Ohio 676 when the motorcycle veered off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Wheeler suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash, the release said. Wheeler was wearing a helmet. The crash remains under investigation.

Responding agencies included the highway patrol and its Crash Reconstruction Unit, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Warren Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Washington County Coroner’s Office and Secure Towing.

Wheeler was an alumnus of Fort Frye High School and the Washington County Career Center. Representatives of both schools said Thursday they had counselors available should students need them.