SCIOTO TOWNSHIP, OH – A Sunday evening commute turned tragic in Ross County after a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle claimed the life of a young Chillicothe man.
Troopers from the Chillicothe Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are currently investigating the fatal crash, which occurred at the intersection of US 50 and Veterans Parkway on April 19, 2026.
The Collision
According to investigators, the accident was reported to the Jackson Communication Center at approximately 8:10 p.m.
The preliminary investigation reveals that Lois Jones, 79, of Portsmouth, was traveling eastbound on US 50 in a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. As Jones attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Veterans Parkway, she crossed into the path of an oncoming 2001 Honda VT750 motorcycle.
The motorcycle, operated by 19-year-old Ryan Hayes of Chillicothe, was traveling westbound. The Honda struck the front left of the Hyundai before losing control and sliding off the right side of the roadway.
Emergency Response
Union Township EMS rushed Hayes to the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Jones, the driver of the SUV, reported no injuries following the impact.
Investigation and Road Closure
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions, as the westbound lanes of US 50 remained shut down for approximately two hours while crews cleared debris and troopers reconstructed the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by:
- Union Township Fire and EMS
- The Ross County Sheriff’s Office
The Highway Patrol has not yet stated if any charges will be filed. The crash remains under active investigation to determine if speed or other factors contributed to the fatal turn.
