EATON — At press time, Preble County Sheriff’s deputies continued their investigation into a two-vehicle fatal crash which claimed the life of a West Alexandria resident on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:49 a.m., on US 35, just west of Washington-Twin Road, according to a press release from Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.
“The preliminary investigation determined that Richard B. Laycock, 59, of West Alexandria, was operating a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck westbound on U.S. 35. He was pulling a homemade trailer and pulled over to make adjustments to the load that was on the trailer. He was being assisted by his adult daughter. Both were out of the truck and at the trailer. Elizabeth Ward, 28, of West Alexandria, was operating a 2021 Kia SUV westbound on U.S. 35 and struck the left rear corner of the trailer attached to the truck,” Simpson reported.
Laycock was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ward and Laycock’s daughter were both transported to Kettering Preble ER in Eaton, with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Simpson. Laycock was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office where an autopsy was to be performed.
Eaton Fire & EMS and West Alexandria EMS responded to the scene. ODOT and Eaton Public Maintenance assisted with road closures while investigators conducted their investigation. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours.
The crash remained under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and folow on X @emowenjr.
