Dellroy man dies when motorcycle collides with deer

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 5, 2023) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol says an Atwood Lake area man was killed when his eastbound motorcycle struck a deer crossing a roadway in Carroll County late on July 4^th.

60-year-old Jeffery L. Ayers of Dellroy was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that happened along state Route 171 in Harrison Township at about 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Sgt. Brian Hawkins at the New Philadelphia post says there were no witnesses to the crash.  A passerby who came up on the scene reported it to authorities.

Hawkins says deer are always a concern at night on rural roads.

“Definitely be cautious, especially on motorcycles – or even cars – this time of year,” Hawkins said. “Deer sometimes have a mind of their own, they go when they want to go and you just have to be a defensive driver.”

Hawkins says Ayers was not wearing a helmet, though he’s unsure if one could have prevented the fatal injuries in this instance.

“We always encourage people to wear helmets, just because it gives you a little extra layer of security and safety,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins says alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

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