Coal Grove – An afternoon motorcycle accident on Ohio 243 left one woman dead Wednesday.

Thursday, June 01, 2000

Coal Grove – An afternoon motorcycle accident on Ohio 243 left one woman dead Wednesday. Margaret J. Monnig, 34, of Ironton, daughter of Lawrence County Commissioner George Patterson, died Wednesday after a 1998 Mercury, driven by Julie Newman, 41, of Ironton, struck Ms. Monnig’s motorcycle at about 4 p.m., Ohio Highway Patrol dispatcher Mark Duncan said.

"The three-vehicle fatal crash occurred on Ohio 243 near the two-mile post marker," Duncan said. "(The car) pulled out of a driveway attempting to turn left onto Ohio 243 into the path of a pair of motorcycles traveling eastbound on Ohio 243."

Ms. Monnig was accompanied by Tim R. Bentley, 49, of Ironton, who also was injured, Duncan said.

"Both motorcycles were laid down and the drivers were ejected from their vehicles," Duncan said. "Margaret J. Monnig was struck by the 1998 Mercury and was pronounced dead at the scene. Tim R. Bentley and Julie Newman were transported to King’s Daughters Medical Center."

Ms. Newman was treated and released from the hospital Wednesday. Bentley remains at KDMC and is listed in fair condition, said Tom Deering, hospital spokesperson.

The accident remains under investigation and no arrests have been made, Duncan said.

Once the investigation is completed, Lawrence County Prosecutor J.B. Collier Jr. will be given the report, OHP Lt. Jim Coleman said.

"Once we complete our investigation, we present it to the prosecutor’s office and they look at it and see if they concur with (our findings)," he said. "If they believe criminal charges should be sought, they take it to the grand jury."

OHP troopers were assisted by Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Service technicians, Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, Coal Grove Fire Department, Lawrence County Coroner’s Office and Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office.

OHP trooper Kevin Kobi is the investigating officer. Also at the scene of the accident were OHP Sgt. Mike Gore and troopers Chad Canter and Rob McClelland.

Funeral arrangements for Ms. Monnig are pending at O’Keefe-Baker Funeral Home.