Child Airlifted After Vehicle Strikes Bicycle

Update: On June 12, 2015 The Darke County sheriff’s Office was notified by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office that on June 12th, 2015 at 12:40 PM Leyden N. Guenther, 9, of Union City, OH succumbed to his injuries as a result of this accident.

It should be noted the correct age of the bicyclist is 9 years old instead of 10 years old as stated in the initial news release.

Original Release: On June 10, 2015 at approximately 4:37 PM, Darke County Deputies along with Union City, OH. Fire and Rescue and CareFlight responded to 348 Union City-Elroy Road on a report of an injury accident involving a 10 year old child on a bicycle being struck by a vehicle. The Darke County Sheriff's Office Accident Reconstruction Team also responded to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed a 10 year old Union City, OH. boy was riding his bicycle southbound in a driveway and entered the westbound lane of the roadway and was struck by a westbound 2006 Green Mercury Montego, driven by Darrin L. Smith 49, Union City, OH. The child was flown to Dayton Children's Hospital aboard CareFlight for his injuries. The child was not wearing protective head gear. Mr. Smith was uninjured. The child's condition is unknown at this time. The Darke County Sheriff's Office encourages children and adults to wear protective head gear while riding bikes. This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.