Press Release:

September 1, 2025

  On September 1, 2025 at approximately 12:45 PM Darke County Deputies along with Ansonia Fire, Ansonia Rescue, Union City Fire and Union City Rescue were dispatched to the intersection of Coletown-Lightsville Road and Zumbrum Road in reference to a male subject trapped under a lawnmower down a steep ditch. 

  Preliminary investigation revealed Michael R. Roth (67) of Union City, Ohio was mowing the side ditch when his Toro lawnmower lost traction and began sliding. The mower overturned landing on Mr. Roth pinning him at the bottom of the ditch. It is unknown how long Mr. Roth was trapped under the lawnmower prior to him being located.

  Mr. Roth succumb to his injuries sustained in the accident. 

  The Darke County Accident Reconstruction Team along with The Darke County Coroner’s investigator were also called to the scene for further investigation.