Tragic Motorcycle Crash Claims Two Lives in Sandy Township
SANDY TOWNSHIP, OH — A devastating motorcycle crash in Tuscarawas County has left two people dead and a community in mourning. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the fatal collision occurred late Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, on State Route 43, just before 11:00 p.m.
The victims have been identified as 53-year-old Richard Townsend, Jr. and 48-year-old Jennifer Byers, both of whom were riding a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the time of the incident. Authorities confirmed that Townsend was operating the motorcycle and Byers was his passenger.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Townsend was traveling northbound on State Route 43 when a southbound vehicle turned left into a private driveway, directly into the motorcycle’s path. The impact was sudden and violent. Despite wearing helmets, both Townsend and Byers sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash remained at the scene and is said to be cooperating fully with investigators. OSHP has not released the identity of the car’s driver or confirmed whether any charges will be filed, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Road conditions at the time were reported to be dry and visibility was clear, eliminating weather as a contributing factor. The collision is still under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction team, who are working to determine whether speed, impaired driving, or other factors played a role.
News of the crash has rocked the Sandy Township community, where both victims were known and respected. Friends and family of the deceased are grappling with the sudden loss of two lives that, by all accounts, were full of love, laughter, and community involvement.
“They were good people,” said one friend of the couple. “Always kind, always helpful. It’s hard to believe they’re just gone like that.”
Motorcycle advocacy groups are also reacting to the crash, using the tragedy as a reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face on the road and urging drivers to remain vigilant, especially when making left-hand turns, which are among the most dangerous maneuvers in traffic involving motorcycles.
In Loving Memory
Richard Townsend, Jr., 53, was known for his passion for motorcycles, his loyalty to friends, and his deep love for family. Jennifer Byers, 48, was remembered as a joyful, compassionate soul who brought warmth and laughter wherever she went. Together, they shared many happy rides—and tragically, their final one.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who has additional information to call the New Philadelphia Post at (330) 339-1441.
As the community reflects on this heartbreaking loss, tributes are already beginning to pour in for Richard and Jennifer—two lives tragically cut short, but never to be forgotten. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
