Driver hits trailer, killing man adjusting its load in Preble County

PREBLE COUNTY — A 59-year-old man is dead after a crash in Preble County Tuesday morning.

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The crash was reported around 7:50 a.m. in the area of US 35 and Washington Twin Road, just outside of Eaton, according to Preble County dispatchers.

An initial investigation showed that Richard Laycock, of West Alexandria, was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado that was pulling a homemade trailer on westbound US 35.

Laycock had pulled over and gotten out of the truck to make adjustments to the load of his trailer with the assistance of his adult daughter, according to the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.

While adjusting the load, the rear left corner of the trailer was hit by a 2021 Kia SUV.

Laycock was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Kia, 28-year-old Elizabeth Ward, and Laycock’s daughter were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

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