Update 6/22/26 4:10 AM
A 12-year-old boy suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon north of Bellefontaine after a tire blowout caused the motorcycle to go out of control.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after noon on U.S. Route 68 near County Road 57 in McArthur Township.
Troopers say 43-year-old William Sabel of Findlay was riding a Honda Gold Wing southbound on U.S. Route 68 with his 12-year-old son when the motorcycle’s rear tire blew out.
Investigators determined the worn tire caused the blowout, which led the motorcycle to fishtail before Sabel lost control.
Both riders were ejected from the motorcycle.
The father and son were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews from the Huntsville and Bellefontaine fire departments responded to the scene and found both individuals off the roadway.
Due to the reported severity of the juvenile’s injuries, MedFlight was requested.
The boy was transported to a nearby landing zone and flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, his injuries were later determined to be minor and included a broken arm, scratches, and road rash.
Sabel told investigators his son was up and walking around before paramedics arrived and placed him on a backboard.
Both riders suffered road rash to their backs, shoulders, and lower extremities.
Sabel was treated at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Troopers cited Sabel for operating an unsafe vehicle after determining the motorcycle’s worn rear tire caused the blowout.
