Troy Motorcyclist Killed in Orange Township Crash; Driver Cited for OVI
ORANGE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic traffic accident Friday night claimed the life of 20-year-old Alex Fergerson, a Troy resident, after a collision with a Jeep driven by a Piqua man, authorities reported. The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on County Road 25A at the intersection with Kirkwood Road and has left the community mourning the young motorcyclist’s untimely death.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office report, Fergerson was traveling northbound on County Road 25A when 46-year-old Travis Blair, driving a Jeep, attempted a left turn onto 25A from Kirkwood Road. Blair allegedly failed to yield to Fergerson, striking the motorcycle and causing Fergerson to leave the roadway and come to rest in a nearby cornfield. Emergency responders pronounced Fergerson dead at the scene.
Blair and his passenger, 43-year-old Lindsay Blair of Piqua, were not injured in the collision. Reports indicate that Blair admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to the crash. Deputy Justin Tidwell noted that Blair was swaying while walking and that an odor of alcohol was detected when speaking to him. Blair refused to take a field sobriety test or Breathalyzer at the scene. According to Sgt. David Egbert, Blair later admitted to having five drinks before the crash.
Blair was subsequently cited for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) and disobeying traffic control devices, though he was later released pending further proceedings. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision and the role of impairment in the tragic outcome.
This incident marked the second fatal motorcycle crash in Shelby County Friday, highlighting ongoing concerns about roadway safety. The other crash involved a Kentucky man on Interstate 75, underscoring the dangers faced by motorcyclists and the importance of cautious, sober driving.
Friends, family, and members of the community are mourning the loss of Alex Fergerson, described as a vibrant young man with a promising future. Local leaders and law enforcement officials are urging drivers to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, emphasizing the need for responsible driving and awareness on local roadways. Funeral and memorial arrangements for Fergerson have not yet been released, but his family and community are coming together to honor his memory during this difficult time.
