Newbury, OH (September 2, 2025) – Emergency responders from Newbury Township rushed to a deadly collision that occurred early on Monday afternoon, tragically claiming the life of a 69-year-old local man. The crash happened around 1:56 p.m. on September 1 at the intersection of Elm Rd and State Route 87.
Emergency crews, including medics from Newbury Township EMS, arrived promptly and rendered aid to the injured motorcyclist. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2018 Ford Escape had stopped at the stop sign on Elm Rd before attempting to cross onto SR-87. As it entered the intersection, the SUV struck a westbound 2007 Honda Helix motor scooter. The force of the impact ejected the rider from the scooter.
The rider, identified as Paul Buttari Sr. of Newbury, sustained serious injuries and was initially transported to University Hospitals Geauga by EMS. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later flown to UH Cleveland, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed that Mr. Buttari was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
The driver of the Ford Escape was unharmed, and investigators have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. In the aftermath of the crash, State Route 87 was closed for approximately an hour as troopers secured the scene and began a detailed investigation into the cause of the fatal incident.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of Paul Buttari Sr. during this heartbreaking time.
Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio
Motorcyclists across Ohio face elevated risks every time they ride, especially at intersections like the one at Elm Rd and SR-87, where visibility, right-of-way decisions, and driver awareness converge into a critical safety concern. This tragic loss underscores a pressing need for continued public education around motorcycle safety and defensive driving practices.
In this case, the collision involved a motor scooter operated by a 69-year-old rider traveling westbound when struck by a vehicle pulling out from a stop sign. These types of incidents often highlight the vulnerabilities of riders, especially when not wearing a helmet. While helmet use is not legally required for all riders in Ohio, studies consistently show that wearing one significantly improves survivability in crashes.
Intersections remain among the most dangerous areas for riders, accounting for a significant portion of motorcycle-related fatalities in the state. Inattentional blindness, or a driver’s failure to “see” a motorcycle despite looking in the correct direction, is a common and often deadly phenomenon that contributes to these collisions. Additionally, senior riders, like the one involved in Monday’s crash, face increased risks due to slower reaction times and decreased physical resilience.
Motorcycle-related fatalities in Ohio remain a major concern for public safety agencies. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, hundreds of riders are injured or killed each year, many in preventable incidents at intersections. Public awareness campaigns, safety training, and increased vigilance at known trouble spots, such as the SR-87 corridor in Geauga County, are vital to saving lives.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your options for support and recovery. Legal rights, insurance claims, and rehabilitation resources can be overwhelming without proper guidance.
If you’ve lost a loved one or been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help you connect with local resources that support your recovery. We understand how life-changing these incidents can be and aim to guide you toward answers, support, and the help you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about what options may be available to you.
