Motorcyclist Killed After Collision with Tractor in Brown County, Ohio — Victim Identified as 56-Year-Old Ricky Laws
LEWIS TOWNSHIP, OHIO — A tragic accident in rural Brown County claimed the life of a motorcyclist Tuesday evening, following a violent collision with a tractor on a quiet township road. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the crash occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Love Road in Lewis Township, a community located about 40 miles southeast of Cincinnati.
The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Ricky Laws, a resident of Felicity, Ohio. Laws was operating a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle traveling northbound when the incident occurred.
Crash Details: A Sudden, Devastating Impact
Preliminary findings from OSHP reveal that a John Deere 3005 tractor, operated by a 68-year-old man, was traveling in the roadway while attempting to move a fallen tree—a common sight on rural roads during summer storm season. As the tractor was maneuvering to clear the obstruction, the northbound Yamaha motorcycle collided with the left side of the tractor.
The force of the crash caused both drivers to be ejected from their respective vehicles. Emergency crews were dispatched quickly to the scene. Sadly, Ricky Laws was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the impact. The tractor operator, who has not yet been publicly identified, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mount Orab Mercy Health for treatment.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not released additional details regarding what may have led to the collision, but the investigation remains ongoing. It is not yet clear if speed, visibility, or road conditions were contributing factors.
A Community Mourning a Life Lost
News of the fatal accident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Felicity and the surrounding areas of Brown County. Friends and family have begun mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of Ricky Laws, who, according to locals, was known for his friendly nature and deep appreciation for motorcycles and the open road.
Laws was an experienced rider and a familiar face in the local biking community. Several friends have expressed their sorrow on social media, recalling Ricky’s love for adventure, his generous spirit, and his ability to bring laughter into any room he entered.
“He was the kind of guy who could fix anything and would drop everything to help someone,” one friend wrote. “It’s just devastating to know we’ll never see that big smile again.”
A Reminder of Roadway Risks
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks both motorcyclists and drivers of agricultural equipment face when sharing narrow, rural roads. With summer bringing more tractors onto public roadways for seasonal work and more motorcycles out enjoying warm-weather rides, authorities are urging drivers to remain especially alert.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol urges all motorists to slow down, maintain safe distances, and remain vigilant—especially on less-traveled roads where visibility may be limited, and large machinery can appear unexpectedly.
“Tractors and motorcycles both have unique challenges when it comes to visibility and maneuverability,” a spokesperson for OSHP said. “We’re asking everyone to be mindful, take precautions, and watch out for one another on the road.”
Investigation Continues
As investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events, OSHP has not reported any signs of impairment, and no charges have been filed as of Wednesday afternoon. Toxicology tests are standard procedure in fatal accidents and will be part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are also asking any potential witnesses who may have been in the area around the time of the crash to contact OSHP with any relevant information.
In Loving Memory
As the community grieves, funeral arrangements for Ricky Laws are expected to be announced in the coming days. Friends, fellow riders, and neighbors are preparing to gather in tribute to a man whose life was cut tragically short but whose memory will ride on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, Ricky. May your final ride be filled with endless roads and open skies.