WAYNE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Two area teenagers were transported to the hospital early Sunday morning after their vehicle veered off the road, struck a utility pole, and rolled over in a single-vehicle accident.
According to a crash report from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 4:06 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, along a dark, unlighted stretch of US-22 near milepost 1400.
Fatigue Factors into Crash
Investigating Deputy Charles Little noted that a gray 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, owned and operated by 19-year-old Zackery Hunter Lee James of Ashville, was traveling eastbound when it suddenly ran off the left side of the roadway.
The vehicle violently struck a utility pole, causing the pickup to overturn completely before rolling back upright onto its wheels. The truck sustained disabling, all-over damage and had to be towed from the scene.
James told responding deputies that he fell asleep behind the wheel just moments before losing control.
Occupants and Injuries
Emergency crews from Southwest Pickaway EMS arrived shortly after the 4:10 a.m. dispatch and treated both occupants at the scene before transferring them to the emergency room:
- The Driver: Zackery James, 19, suffered suspected minor injuries. The report indicates he was wearing a shoulder and lap belt, and his front airbags successfully deployed. He has been cited for operating a vehicle without reasonable control (Ohio Revised Code 4511.202).
- The Passenger: Isabella Marie Kinney, 19, of Clarksburg, was riding in the front passenger seat. She also sustained suspected minor injuries.
Both teens were transported by emergency squad to the Berger Hospital Emergency Room for further treatment.
The roadway was fully cleared and reopened by 5:10 a.m. following a one-hour scene investigation overseen by Deputy Little and reviewed by Officer Stacey Eitel. Authorities confirmed that weather conditions were clear and the roadway surface was dry at the time of the crash.
