Monroe Co., OH (May 8, 2026) – Emergency units responded at about 9:57 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, after a fatal crash on State Route 78 in Adams Township.
Investigators said a 2021 Kenworth commercial truck driven by 48-year-old Jason A. Taylor of Elba was attempting to enter westbound State Route 78. Authorities said the truck failed to yield to eastbound traffic before a 2018 Ford F-150 struck the left rear section of the trailer, which was hauling sandboxes.
The Ford was driven by 76-year-old Larry R. Henthorn of Middlebourne. He was wearing a seat belt and suffered serious injuries. He was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Two passengers were also inside the pickup truck. Deitra K. Henthorn, 65, of Sistersville, was taken to Reynolds Hospital with serious injuries. Bernard R. McDougal, 73, of Martinsville, was riding unrestrained in the back seat, was ejected through the front windshield, and died from his injuries.
A second crash happened after the first impact. A 2017 Ford Edge driven by 79-year-old Allen C. Spencer of New Martinsville struck the side of the trailer left in the roadway. Spencer was hurt and taken to Wetzel County Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may become available as authorities continue their review.
Our condolences go out to Bernard McDougal’s loved ones, and we wish the injured people a full recovery.
Why Truck Trailer Crashes Can Cause Severe Injuries
Crashes involving commercial truck trailers can be especially dangerous because trailers are large, heavy, and may block travel lanes after impact. Smaller vehicles can suffer major damage when they strike the side or rear section of a trailer.
Secondary crashes can happen when part of a vehicle or trailer remains in the roadway. Drivers approaching at night might have less time to see the hazard and slow down safely. This can increase the risk of additional injuries after the first collision.
Seat belt use can affect injury outcomes in serious crashes. A seat belt helps keep a person inside the seating area during a sudden impact. Without one, a person faces a greater risk of being thrown inside or out of the vehicle.
