Fatal Motorcycle Crash Near Iola Wednesday

Clay County emergency crews responded to a motorcycle accident resulting in a fatality, one mile north of Edgewood Road northwest of Iola Wednesday afternoon.

Crews responded to a single motorcycle crash at 5:18pm that claimed the life of 60-year-old Ronnie L. Merritt of Farina. Clay County Coroner Bryce Henry says that it appears Merritt was traveling south on Edgewood Road when he came upon a curve and for unknown reasons lost control of his motorcycle and went off the road into the ditch. Merritt was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled to help determine the exact cause of death.

Agencies assisting at the scene were the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Farina Fire and Rescue, Farina EMS, Troop 9 Illinois State Police, and the Clay County Coroner’s office.