The quiet stretch of US 50 in Chillicothe turned tragic Sunday night when a 19-year-old motorcyclist, Ryan Hayes, lost his life in a sudden and violent crash. What began as a routine evening quickly spiraled into heartbreak at the intersection of Veterans Parkway in Scioto Township.
Authorities say the crash happened around 8:10 p.m. on April 19, when emergency dispatchers received reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and an SUV. Troopers arriving on scene found the aftermath scattered across the roadway, with debris marking the point of impact.
Investigators determined that a 2022 Hyundai Palisade, driven by 79-year-old Lois Jones of Portsmouth, was heading eastbound on US 50. As she attempted to make a left turn onto Veterans Parkway, her vehicle crossed into the path of an oncoming motorcycle traveling westbound.
That motorcycle, a 2001 Honda VT750, was being ridden by Ryan Hayes, a Chillicothe resident. Officials say the bike slammed into the left front side of the SUV, the force of the collision sending Hayes sliding off the roadway to the right.
Emergency crews rushed Hayes to Adena Regional Medical Center, holding onto hope through the chaos. But despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead from the injuries he suffered in the crash.
Lois Jones was not injured, according to officials. Still, the emotional weight of the incident lingered at the scene, as first responders worked under the fading light to piece together what happened.
Westbound lanes of US 50 were shut down for about two hours while troopers conducted their investigation and crews cleared the wreckage. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with Union Township Fire and EMS and the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, remained on site until the road was reopened.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Ryan Hayes leaves a deep void in his community, a reminder of how quickly lives can change on a familiar road.
