Preble Co., OH (December 19, 2023) – Two people have lost their lives as a result of a motor vehicle accident reported in Preble County. The accident occurred just after 4:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18.
According to crash investigations by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, two cars collided on State Route 503 in the early morning hours. The incident occurred on a stretch of roadway between Gratis and West Alexandria. The incident prompted authorities to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities noticed a sheriff’s cruiser involved in the collision.
The sheriff’s deputy, identified as 34-year-old Joshua Hamilton, was severely hurt in the crash. He was transported to Kettering Preble ER Campus in Eaton, Ohio, for emergency care. The Preble County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he passed away from his injuries. One additional victim sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The second driver was identified as 36-year-old Michael Gayhart II. The Preble County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the crash.
Our condolences go out to the families of Joshua Hamilton and Michael Gayhart II.
Fatal Car Accidents in Ohio
According to reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, more than 1,350 people died as a result of motor vehicle accidents on our state’s roads in 2021. This number continues to increase year after year despite our aggressive approach toward keeping drivers safe across the state.
The loss of a loved one can seem unbearable. Knowing that your loved one lost their life in a motor vehicle accident that was most likely preventable just makes the situation even more difficult to accept. Unfortunately, innocent people continue to lose their lives in collisions as a result of motorists who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. We often see accidents take place due to:
- Motorists who are traveling too fast for road conditions.
- Drivers who are unfamiliar with our roadways.
- Drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of intoxicants.
- Motorists who use their phones or engage in other distractions while behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, these and other reckless and negligent actions contribute to a significant portion of fatal collisions across our state. If your loved one has died as a result of a crash, you may have legal options that can help you ease some of the financial burdens you face moving forward. It is vital to seek guidance from our wrongful death lawyers right away.
At The Attkisson Law Firm, we are not just a law firm that handles personal injury cases. We are a group of compassionate individuals who genuinely care about our clients and their well-being. Our priority is to get to know each client personally, understand their unique situation and fight for the full and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries. If you prefer to step back and let us handle your case on your behalf, we are more than happy to do so with the utmost dedication and respect. With over 50 years of combined trial experience and a focus solely on personal injury law, you can trust that your case will be in capable hands at The Attkisson Law Firm. Let us show you why our clients come first and why we promise to always treat them with compassion and respect. Reach out to our team by calling 937-276-9700 to schedule a free case review to get started.
Note: Our team of writers utilizes a variety of external sources to gather information to produce this post. These sources range from news outlet reports and local and state police reports to social media posts, eyewitness accounts, and other relevant data concerning accidents in Dayton and throughout Ohio. While we strive for accuracy, we do not independently verify the facts surrounding these injury accidents. If you discover any inaccuracies in our reports, please inform us immediately. We are committed to correcting errors promptly. Additionally, we will consider removing a story if requested.
Disclaimer: For many years, the attorneys at Attkisson Law Firm have dedicated themselves to assisting injured accident victims and their families throughout Ohio. We want to encourage everyone to slow down and operate motor vehicles with caution. Please note this post is not an attempt to solicit business. The information provided herein should not be considered medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photograph accompanying this post was not taken at the accident scene.
