Harry Young IV Mount Vernon OH Obituary – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Mount Gilead Post is actively investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at approximately 6:25 PM near milepost 3 on US Route 36 in Centerburg, Knox County. The incident has raised critical safety concerns and underscored the importance of protective gear and cautious riding, especially on rural highways.
The crash involved Harry Young IV, a 39-year-old motorcycle rider from Mount Vernon, Ohio. According to initial reports, Mr. Young was operating a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on US Route 36. Witnesses recount that the motorcycle unexpectedly veered off the right side of the roadway, colliding with a traffic sign and a utility pole. The crash resulted in severe injuries to Mr. Young and his passenger, Samantha Hedrick, 36, also of Mount Vernon.
Both riders were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident—a factor that has drawn attention from safety advocates and law enforcement officials alike. The absence of protective gear likely contributed to the severity of injuries sustained during the crash.
Mr. Young suffered life-threatening injuries and was rapidly transported via ambulance by the Central Ohio Joint Fire District to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Unfortunately, despite urgent medical intervention, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital. His passenger, Ms. Hedrick, sustained serious injuries and was transported by Delaware County EMS to Ohio Health Grant Hospital in Columbus for emergency care.
The crash scene was secured and managed by multiple emergency agencies, including the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Central Ohio Joint Fire District, and Delaware County EMS. Their coordinated response was crucial in providing immediate medical aid and preserving evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have yet to determine the precise causes of the crash, which remains under active investigation. Factors being examined include road conditions, possible mechanical issues with the motorcycle, and potential driver impairment or distraction. The fact that both riders were not wearing helmets has sparked discussions about motorcycle safety protocols, especially on rural roads where hazards such as utility poles and roadside signs pose significant dangers.
Law enforcement officials are urging motorcyclists to wear appropriate protective gear, including helmets, jackets, and gloves, to reduce the risk of injury during crashes. The tragic loss of Mr. Young serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures while riding.
This incident has deeply affected the local community, prompting calls for increased awareness and enforcement of motorcycle safety laws. Local officials and safety organizations are advocating for heightened public education campaigns, emphasizing that wearing helmets and protective gear can significantly mitigate injuries and save lives.
As investigations continue, authorities are also reviewing roadway conditions and signage along US Route 36 to identify potential improvements that could prevent similar accidents in the future. The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages motorcyclists and all drivers to remain vigilant, especially on rural highways where unexpected hazards can dramatically alter outcomes.
In conclusion, this tragic crash underscores the vital importance of safety precautions for motorcyclists and highlights the ongoing need for road safety awareness in Ohio. The community mourns the loss of Harry Young IV and hopes that increased safety measures will prevent similar tragedies moving forward.
