Columbus, OH : A passenger from Athens County died in a pickup crash on Sunday, July 23, 2017

A passenger from Athens County died in a pickup crash Sunday morning after a driver lost control of his vehicle and fled the scene.

Troopers are still investigating the fatal crash, which occurred at about 5 a.m. on Route 144 in southeastern Athens County.

Passenger Michael L. Taylor, 54, of Coolville, was pronounced dead at the scene.Driver Travis J. Barber, 28, of Reedsville, who was driving southbound, failed to negotiate a curve and slid a 1995 Chevrolet C/K 1500 pickup truck off the left side of the roadway, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Athens Post. The vehicle struck a ditch and a small group of trees.

Barber was later found at the Holzer Meigs Emergency Department in Pomeroy, where he declined further treatment and was released.

Taylor and Barber were not wearing safety belts and troopers said alcohol and drugs are suspected as factors in the fatal crash.

Source :
Athens County man dies in early morning crash