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Man Dies in Ross County Crash


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The Chillicothe Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US 23 near milepost 19 in Ross County, at approximately 9 p.m. Monday night.

Matthew S. Barnhart, 44, of Chillicothe, was traveling southbound on U.S. 23 in a semi-truck hauling a track-hoe on a trailer.  Barnhart had pulled onto U.S. 23 from an access road south of Orr Rd.

Larry E. Ritchart Jr.,47, of Chillicothe, was traveling southbound on U.S. 23 in a pick-up truck when his vehicle struck the rear end of Barnhart's trailer.

Ritchart's passenger, Brent R. Smith, 20, of Chillicothe was pronounced dead on the scene.

The passenger in Barnhart's vehicle, Ralyn L. Barnhart, 74, of Chillicothe was not injured in the crash, nor were the drivers.

Lt. J.M. Moore of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that additional investigation could take 5-7 days.