In Loving Memory of Dylan Midkiff, A Young Life Remembered After Tragic Wayne County Crash.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the West Salem, Ohio, community was left mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dylan Midkiff, 19, who died following a tragic crash on Ruff Road in Congress Township. Dylan was operating an orange Kubota RTV-X900 when the utility vehicle was struck by a pickup truck shortly after 8:00 a.m.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred approximately half a mile east of State Route 539. Preliminary findings indicate that the Kubota was turning left from a private driveway onto Ruff Road when it failed to yield to an eastbound 2004 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck.
Dylan was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities reported that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. His passenger, Samuel H. Regner, 29, of Ashland, Ohio, suffered serious injuries and was also not wearing a seat belt. The pickup truck was operated by Bradley Evans, 41, of Ashland, who was wearing his seat belt and was not injured.
As family, friends, and loved ones face the unimaginable pain of losing Dylan at just 19 years old, memories of his life will remain deeply cherished. A young life filled with possibilities was taken far too soon, leaving behind sorrow that words cannot fully express.
Emergency responders from West Salem Fire and EMS, Town & Country Fire and EMS, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. Officials said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors.
May Dylan Midkiff’s memory forever remain a source of love, comfort, and strength to everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, Dylan. You will never be forgotten.
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