The quiet stretch of U.S. Route 6 in Vermilion turned tragic Saturday evening, as 35-year-old Corey Yarmock lost his life in a crash that has left the Amherst community shaken. What began as an ordinary weekend night quickly turned into a moment that friends and family say they will never forget.
Authorities say the crash happened around 7:53 p.m. on March 21, 2026, near Sunnyside Road. A 2022 Chevrolet Silverado had come to a stop at a traffic light along the eastbound lane. Moments later, Yarmock, riding a 2025 Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycle, approached from behind and collided with the rear of the truck.
Investigators believe Yarmock was unable to maintain a safe stopping distance before the impact. The force of the crash left him with severe injuries. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and quickly transported him for medical care, but despite those efforts, he did not survive.
The driver of the Silverado, 21-year-old Grady Watkins of Tennessee, was wearing a seatbelt at the time and was not injured. Officials noted that Yarmock was also wearing a helmet, underscoring just how serious the crash was despite safety precautions.
Multiple emergency units responded, including state troopers, local police, fire crews, and EMS teams. The roadway saw heavy activity as first responders worked to manage the scene and assist those involved. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities piece together every detail.
Back in Amherst, the loss is deeply personal. Those who knew Yarmock describe him as warm, dependable, and full of life. He was the kind of person who showed up when it mattered, someone whose presence brought comfort and energy to those around him.
Now, that presence is gone. His family has asked for privacy as they navigate the days ahead, while friends and neighbors continue to share memories and offer support. For many, the grief is still fresh, and the shock has not fully settled.
As the community reflects on the loss, the stretch of road where it happened stands as a quiet reminder of how quickly life can change. A single moment, one miscalculation, and everything shifts.
