Single Fatality UTV Crash Near Batesville Under Investigation
Media Release
CAMBRIDGE – The Cambridge Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 7:10 pm. The crash occurred on State Route 147 near mile post 17 in Beaver Township, Noble County, Ohio.
Stephen Burkhart, 32, of Barnesville, Ohio, was operating a tan, Can-Am UTV, as he traveled west on State Route 147. The Can-Am traveled across the centerline, off the left side of the roadway and struck a fifth wheel trailer that was parked in a private drive. The Can-Am then continued to travel down an embankment and into a field where it struck two ditches. Mr. Burkhart sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by Noble County EMS to SEORMC (Cambridge) where he was treated for serious injuries before being transferred to Grant Hospital in Columbus. The passenger on the UTV, Christopher Lucas, 38, of Quaker City, Ohio, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Belle Valley Fire and EMS, Noble County Fire and EMS and Quaker City Fire and EMS.
Neither of the UTV’s occupants were wearing safety harnesses at the time of the crash. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor.
The crash remains under investigation.
(Ohio State Highway Patrol Media Release)
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