ATHENS County – Troopers from the Athens Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash in which a vehicle struck the back of a parked Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) dump truck.
On December 8 at 8:49 a.m., troopers were dispatched to US-50 near River Rd. in Athens County for a fatal crash involving a Jeep SUV and ODOT dump truck. Justin P. Hedges, 39, Coolville, was driving a 1992 Jeep Cherokee westbound on US-50 when he struck the rear of a parked 2016 International dump truck, operated by Brian W. Williams, 55, Coolville. The ODOT truck was parked on the right berm of US-50 westbound when the crash occurred, with the right lane of US-50 westbound also being closed. After striking the ODOT dump truck, the Jeep caught fire and was engulfed in flames. Mr. Hedges died of fatal injuries sustained in the crash. Mr. Williams was transported to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital for minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
Troopers at the Athens Post were assisted on scene by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Athens County Coroner’s Office, Athens County EMS, and Rome Township Fire Department.
