Patrol investigating fatal crash involving riding lawn mower in Williams County.

Edon – On June 14, 2024, at approximately 10:15 PM, troopers from the Defiance Post of
the Ohio State Highway Patrol were dispatched to a crash involving a John Deere riding
lawn mower and a mini-van on State Route 49 near mile post 9 in Florence Township,
Williams County.

Thomas S. Patterson, age 65, of Edon, was operating a 2013 John Deere lawn mower
southbound on State Route 49 without rear lights. Gene M. Pahl, age 79, of Edgerton, was
operating a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van southbound on State Route 49. Pahl
struck Patterson’s lawn mower in the rear. Patterson was ejected from the lawn mower and
pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Williams County Sheriff’s
Office, Florence Township Fire Department, Williams County EMS, Williams County
Coroner and John’s Towing.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always wear their safety belts and to
never drive distracted or impaired.

The crash remains under investigation.