RICE TOWNSHIP, Sandusky County, Ohio — An 18-year-old novice motorcyclist from Vermilion died Saturday night after crashing on Ohio 19 in Rice Township, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
Gavin McLaughlin was riding a blue-and-white 2001 Harley-Davidson Road King south on Ohio 19 near County Road 127 at about 9:51 p.m. Oct. 3 when he failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned. He died from his injuries at the scene. The Fremont post of the patrol is investigating.
Investigators say McLaughlin was riding last in a group of four motorcyclists who were unfamiliar with the area. “The curve was unexpected. He tried to overcorrect and lost control,” patrol Lt. Angel Burgos said. The three riders ahead of him gave a witness statement, telling troopers they had been leading the way when McLaughlin fell behind.
Burgos stressed that McLaughlin’s lack of experience was the probable cause of the crash. McLaughlin held only a learner’s permit, which is valid for daytime riding only, and was operating the large motorcycle after dark without a helmet. Preliminary findings show alcohol was not a factor.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t have his helmet on, he was driving outside his learner’s permit requirements, and not being familiar with that roadway just kind of compiled it,” Burgos said. “Tragically, we lost a young man.”
The patrol was assisted at the scene by the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, the county coroner’s office, Sandusky County EMS, the Lindsey Fire Department and Triple J’s Towing. The crash remains under investigation.
