Mineral City man dies after motorcycle strikes fallen tree in Tuscarawas County

State Highway Patrol says 47-year-old rider was airlifted to Akron General after crash on Roxford Church Road in Union Township

Metro Newspaper Service

Published November 8, 2025 - 8:00 a.m.

The New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Nov. 5, on County Road 66 (Roxford Church Road) in Union Township, Tuscarawas County.

According to investigators, a 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle was traveling northbound on County Road 66 around 7:06 p.m. when it struck a downed tree blocking the roadway. The motorcycle overturned and went off the right side of the road.

The driver, Michael McHale, 47, of Mineral City, was transported by Smith Ambulance to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital for treatment of his injuries and later airlifted to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where he succumbed to his injuries.

McHale was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Smith Ambulance, Sherrodsville Fire Department, Dennison Fire Department and Affordable Towing. The crash remains under investigation.

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