Wayne County, OH (August 22, 2026) – A 19-year-old West Salem man was killed on Thursday, August 20, after a UTV and pickup truck collided on Ruff Road.
The wreck happened around 8 a.m. about a half-mile east of State Route 539 in Congress Township. The pickup was traveling east when the UTV pulled from a private driveway and failed to yield before entering the road.
Dylan Midkiff, 19, of West Salem, was operating the UTV and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, while the 29-year-old Ashland man riding with him was not hurt.
The 41-year-old Ashland man driving the pickup was also not hurt and was wearing a seat belt. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have contributed to the accident, according to the preliminary findings. The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision are still being examined.
Our thoughts are with Midkiff’s loved ones following his death.
How Can UTV Occupants Reduce Injury Risks?
Utility terrain vehicles can expose occupants to greater injury risks because they lack the enclosed passenger protection found in most cars and trucks. Seat belts and other built-in restraints help keep riders inside the vehicle during sudden movements.
Operators should follow posted speed limits and use caution when entering public roads from private property. Yielding to traffic is especially important because vehicles on the main road may have limited time to react.
Protective equipment can also reduce the severity of some injuries. Helmets, eye protection, and appropriate clothing provide additional protection during off-road and roadway travel.
