RICE TOWNSHIP, OH – An 18-year-old motorcyclist from Vermillion died in a crash on Ohio 19 on October 3 at 9:51 p.m.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Gavin McLaughlin was riding a blue-and-white 2001 Harley-Davidson Road King southbound when he failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle went off the right side of the road, struck a ditch, and overturned. McLaughlin suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
McLaughlin was part of a group of four motorcyclists riding together, and witnesses reported that the group was unfamiliar with the area. Lt. Angel Burgos of the Ohio Highway Patrol stated that McLaughlin attempted to correct his direction but lost control before the crash. He was the last rider in the group.
Preliminary reports indicate that alcohol was not a contributing factor to the accident. The investigation suggests McLaughlin’s lack of experience, coupled with his riding outside of the permitted hours for his learner’s permit, may have played a significant role in the incident.
The Ohio Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Sandusky County Coroner’s Office, Sandusky County EMS, Lindsey Fire Department, and Triple J’s Towing. The crash remains under investigation.