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Morning auto accident claims life of Little Hocking man

(Photo Illustration - Police Reports - MetroCreativeConnection)

BELPRE TOWNSHIP — A Little Hocking man was killed in a Wednesday morning accident along U.S. 50 in Washington County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported.

The Marietta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a four-vehicle crash, involving the fatality, that occurred around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 50 near milepost 3 in Belpre Township, according to a press release issued by the Patrol.

The investigation found the crash occurred when a motorized scooter, operated by Gerald Strong Jr, 67, of Little Hocking, attempted to enter U.S. 50 from Arrowhead Road.

Strong struck an eastbound 2012 Jeep Wrangler, operated by Walter Ellis Jr, 39, of Rutland, Ohio. Strong was then separated from the scooter and was struck by a 2012 Ford Escape, operated by James E. Pryor, 29, of Athens, Ohio. Strong was then struck by a 2018 Ram 3500, operated by David R. Young, 62, of Winfield, W.Va.

“Mr. Strong suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the press release said. “Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash.”

Responding agencies included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio State Highway Patrol Crash Reconstruction Unit, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Little Hocking Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Washington County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation and Westfall Towing.

The crash remains under investigation at this time, the release said.

The accident did delay some families on their way to dropping students off at Belpre City Schools.

Superintendent Jeff Greenley said they had “several families that were impacted” by the delay.

“It was definitely on our radar,” he said.

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