JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A two-vehicle head-on collision on State Route 104 left one driver dead and another hospitalized early Friday morning, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey reported that dispatchers received a call at approximately 6:32 a.m. on September 4, 2026, reporting a severe crash just north of Commercial Point Road in Jackson Township. Initial callers noted that one of the involved vehicles appeared to be on fire.
Responding deputies and troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived to find a head-on impact involving a gray 2009 Nissan Versa and a white 2016 Ford F-150. A small fire in one of the vehicles had been put out prior to the arrival of first responders.
According to preliminary investigative findings:
- James E. Terry III, 40, of Laurelville, Ohio, was traveling southbound on State Route 104 in the Nissan Versa when his vehicle traveled left of center.
- Donald H. Smith, 41, of Williamsport, Ohio, was heading northbound in the Ford F-150 when his truck was struck head-on by Terry’s vehicle.
Emergency personnel from Harrison Township and Scioto Township Fire and EMS performed extrications on both drivers, who were trapped in their vehicles.
Harrison Township EMS transported both Smith and Terry to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Hospital officials later notified authorities that Terry succumbed to his injuries a short time after arrival.
Sheriff Hafey expressed gratitude to Harrison Township Fire and EMS, Scioto Township Fire and EMS, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance at the scene.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash.
