Chardon, OH (May 29, 2026) – A 45-year-old Mantua man died Thursday morning after his motorcycle struck the rear of a pickup truck on US Route 422 in Auburn Township. The collision was reported at approximately 10:30 AM.
Monte Stamm was riding a Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on US-422 when he hit the back of a Ram pickup, and the force of the accident ejected Stamm from the bike. He was taken to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, where he later died.
The pickup truck driver was also taken to the same hospital with minor injuries. Stamm was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be factors.
The name of the pickup driver had not been released at the time of this report. Officers are working to determine the full circumstances of the wreck, and additional findings are expected as the review continues. We extend our sincerest condolences to Monte Stamm’s family and everyone who loved him.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Motorcycle Crashes on Ohio Highways?
Rear-end collisions involving motorcycles tend to be especially serious because riders have no surrounding structure to absorb a sudden stop or impact. On highways like US Route 422, where traffic moves at higher speeds, the gap between a motorcycle and the vehicle ahead can close quickly if either driver changes speed without warning. Ejection is a common outcome when a motorcycle stops abruptly, regardless of whether a helmet is worn, though helmet use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of head injuries in a crash. Ohio law requires helmet use only for riders under 18 or those without certain endorsements. Safety gear, following distance, and speed management are all factors that shape how serious a rear-end motorcycle collision turns out to be.
