WELLSTON, OH (August 31, 2025) – A tragic crash involving a golf cart and a car early Saturday morning in Wellston claimed the life of a local police officer and left others injured, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on S Pennsylvania Ave near the intersection of Sixth St. Authorities reported that a registered golf cart was traveling southbound when it was struck from behind by a 2014 Hyundai. The impact forced the golf cart off the left side of the road and into a tree, while the Hyundai came to a stop in the roadway.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. Multiple individuals were transported to Holzer Medical Center for treatment. Among them was 25-year-old Matthew Juniper of Wellston, a passenger in the golf cart and an officer with the Wellston Police Department. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The driver of the golf cart was also hospitalized and later flown to Cabel Huntington Hospital in West Virginia for further care. The driver of the Hyundai, identified as a juvenile, sustained minor injuries and was also treated at Holzer Medical Center.
Emergency responders from Jackson County and state troopers remained on the scene for nearly six hours while Pennsylvania Ave was closed for investigation. Authorities continue to look into the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Juniper, and with all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
Risks and Safety Concerns in Golf Cart-Involved Crashes
Golf carts, while commonly used in small towns and residential areas, are not designed to withstand high-impact collisions—especially with standard vehicles on public roads. In incidents like this one, where a larger vehicle strikes from behind, passengers in the golf cart face a significantly higher risk of serious or fatal injuries due to limited structural protection.
Ohio law requires that golf carts be properly registered and equipped for road use if operated on public streets. Even with legal compliance, visibility and speed differentials between carts and cars make these interactions inherently dangerous. Drivers must remain especially vigilant in low-light hours, such as early morning or late night, when these crashes are more likely.
In the aftermath of a golf cart accident, injured parties or their families should consider seeking legal support to navigate the challenges of medical costs, liability, and potential long-term impacts. Local authorities continue to review safety standards around golf cart use, particularly in municipalities like Wellston where mixed traffic is common.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
