LUCASVILLE — Prominent Lawrence County businessman and developer Freddie L. Hayes Sr. was killed in a two-car crash Wednesday afternoon.

The accident happened at 1:05 p.m. on State Route 104, north of State Route 348, in Scioto County.

Hayes, 75, of Scottown, was driving a 2001 Chevrolet C/K 1500 box truck and was northbound on State Route 104, according to a release by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

In front of Hayes’ vehicle was a 1995 Ford F-150 driven by Edward Mollett, 38, of Franklin Furnace.

“Mr. Mollett was stopped to make a left turn into the Briar Patch Convenience Store when he was struck behind by Mr. Hayes,” the release said.

Mollett was taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center with what the patrol termed as non-incapacitating injuries. Hayes was flown to Cabell Huntington Hospital by Med Flight where he died from his injuries.

Also taken to SOMC were Robert Holland, 61, of Proctorville, who was a passenger in Hayes’ vehicle and Delbert Mollett, 63, of Franklin Furnace who was a passenger in Mollett’s car. Both also had non-incapacitating injuries.

Hayes with his partner Danny Holschuh developed a number of subdivisions in the area. He was involved with the Central Market in Huntington, W.Va. Before his business career Hayes was involved in education, first as the principal at Symmes Valley High School and later superintendent of the district.

“Fred was a good friend when I used to work in elementary education,” Dr. Bill Dingus, executive director of Lawrence Economic Development Corp., said. “Fred was a mentor to me. He took a special interest in me. I always appreciated Fred. He was quiet, but very quick, very bright. He cared deeply about causes. He believed in education. Fred stayed in the background of making things happen.”

Ray Dutey, chairman of the county’s Republican Party, remembers Hayes as a strong supporter of the party.

“I was very close to him,” Dutey said. “He was the biggest developer in Lawrence County. He was a very quiet guy, a real fine guy. Every time I ever ran, he was there for me.”

Hayes is the father of Lawrence County Commissioner Freddie L. Hayes Jr.