The Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal single-vehicle accident that occurred early Saturday morning, September 14, 2024.
The crash happened around 12:30 AM on Sorg Road, approximately 1/10 mile west of Davidson Road in Whiteoak Township, Highland County. According to preliminary reports, James W. Hart Jr., 66, of Hillsboro, was driving a 1967 Dodge Pickup truck westbound on Sorg Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the right side of the road and collided with a grain bin.
Hart was ejected from the vehicle as it continued its trajectory, eventually striking a barn before coming to a stop. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Mr. Hart was pronounced dead at the scene by a representative from the Highland County Coroner’s Office. It has been noted that Hart was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Highland County Sheriff’s Department, Highland County Coroner’s Office, and Paint Creek LMS. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
