Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Knox County

Mount Vernon – The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at approximately 4:41 PM, on Columbus Road in the City of Mount Vernon.    

Jeffrey Davis, age 40, of Howard, Ohio, was operating a 2022 Kenworth T880 on Columbus Road traveling northeast. Robert Staats, age 73, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was operating a 2006 Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter northeast on Columbus Road. Mr. Davis failed to keep an assured cleared distance ahead and struck Mr. Staats in the rear.   

Mr. Staats was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Mr. Davis was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured. Mr. Staats was not wearing helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not a suspected factor in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Mount Vernon Police Department, Mount Vernon EMS, Mount Vernon Street Department, Knox County Coroner’s Office and Mount Vernon Law Director’s Office.   

The traffic crash remains under investigation by the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.