(PRESS RELEASE) – On June 14, 2024, at approximately 10:15 PM, troopers from the Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were dispatched to a crash involving a John Deere riding lawnmower and a mini-van on State Route 49 near mile post 9 in Florence Township, Williams County.
Thomas S. Patterson, age 65, of Edon, was operating a 2013 John Deere lawn mower southbound on State Route 49 without rear lights. Gene M. Pahl, age 79, of Edgerton, was operating a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van southbound on State Route 49.
Pahl struck Patterson’s lawnmower in the rear. Patterson was ejected from the lawnmower and pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Township Fire Department, Williams County EMS, Williams County Coroner and John’s Towing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always wear their safety belts and to never drive distracted or impaired. The crash remains under investigation.