Perry County, OH (August 21, 2026) – A 19-year-old Crooksville man died on Wednesday, August 19, after his pickup crossed the center line on Ohio 13 and struck a northbound tractor-trailer in Reading Township.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said AJ T. Roberts was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 southbound around 3:47 p.m. when it went left of center. The pickup then struck a northbound 2024 Freightliner Cascadia.
Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional information about the wreck was immediately available.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation. Our thoughts are with Roberts’ family and loved ones as they grieve his loss.
What Can Cause a Vehicle to Cross the Center Line?
A vehicle can cross the center line for several reasons, including driver distraction, fatigue, impairment, excessive speed, or a sudden medical problem. Road conditions, poor visibility, and mechanical problems can also contribute to a vehicle leaving its travel lane.
Center-line crossings can be especially dangerous on two-lane highways because vehicles traveling in opposite directions have limited space to avoid one another. The size and weight difference between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks can further increase collision severity.
Investigators may examine vehicle damage, roadway markings, tire marks, weather conditions, and available witness accounts when determining how a vehicle left its lane. Vehicle inspections and other records may also provide information about what happened before the collision.
