Pike County, Seal Township, OH – A devastating accident on Monday evening, August 11, 2025, has left the Pike County community in mourning after a single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 54-year-old John R. Short of Piketon, Ohio.
At approximately 7:53 PM, the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received an emergency call reporting a serious injury crash with an ejection on Schuster Road near Taylor Hollow Road. First responders rushed to the scene, but despite their immediate efforts, the outcome was tragic.
According to investigators, Short was driving a maroon 1998 Ford F-150 westbound on Schuster Road when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway. In an attempt to regain control, Short overcorrected, causing the truck to veer off the left side of the road. The vehicle then struck a ditch and a fence before overturning. The violent impact ejected Short from the truck, and he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities report that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, but officials urge drivers to use extreme caution on rural roadways, where narrow lanes, sudden curves, and changing conditions can quickly become dangerous.
The tragic scene drew a swift and coordinated response from local emergency agencies, including the Seal Township Fire Department, Portsmouth Ambulance, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, all of whom worked tirelessly to secure the area and provide aid.
For the Piketon community, the sudden loss of John Short is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. Friends, family, and neighbors will remember him for his presence in their lives, and his absence will be deeply felt in the days to come.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Officials have not released information on whether seatbelt use was a factor, but they once again stress the importance of wearing restraints at all times to reduce the risk of fatal injuries in the event of a crash.
This heartbreaking accident stands as yet another sobering call for all motorists to drive attentively, avoid distractions, and prioritize safety on every trip—no matter the distance.
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