Fatal motorcycle crash investigated

7/17/2014

DEFIANCE — A two-vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist on State Rt. 15 in Tiffin Township remained under investigation Wednesday, authorities said.

Gary Saylor, 58, of Defiance, who did not wear a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday night, according to the Van Wert post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Mr. Saylor was riding south on Route 15 just south of Schick Road about 9 p.m. when his motorcycle ran into a northbound SUV, which had crossed the center line, troopers said in a news release Wednesday.

Brittany Bird, 18 of Ney, Ohio, the SUV driver, was driving north on the state route when for unknown reasons her vehicle drove off the right side of the road. She then apparently over-corrected, causing the vehicle to cross the center line, according to the patrol.

Ms. Bird, who wore a seat belt, was not hurt.