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Darke County Sheriff
Transport shuttle
injury incidents investigated
The Darke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three separate
injury incidents associated with the transport shuttle at the Darke
County Fair. The transport shuttle is a wagon that is specially
designed to transport people between parking areas and amusement/
exhibit areas of the Darke County Fairgrounds. The wagon is towed
by a tractor and has an open and low bench design on both sides which
allows passengers to step upon the unit and sit down to be transported.
The first incident occurred Friday August 18, 2017 at approximately
1:15pm. The shuttle was located at a pick up and drop off point
on the south side of the grounds near the speed office. According
to witness statements, Phyllis Oliver, age 80 of Versailleswas
preparing to board the shuttle when tractor operator Bobby Roark, age
47 ofGreenville engaged the tractor to move. Mrs. Oliver was
struck by the shuttle as it moved and she fell to the ground and on to
a wheelchair. She was dragged by the shuttle a short
distance. She received an injury to her leg and foot as well as
other abrasions. Mrs. Oliver was transported to Wayne Healthcare
by Spirit Medical Transport.
The second incident occurred on Saturday August 19, 2017 at
approximately 8:30pm. The shuttle was located at a pick up and
drop off point on the south end of the fairgrounds inside gate 6
entrance. According to witness statements, Joseph Soley, age 78
of Greenville and his adult son were trying to board the shuttle when
tractor operator, Christian Kimmel, age 25 of Ansonia engaged the
tractor to move. Mr. Soley was possibly struck by the shuttle
and/ or tripped over his son and fell to the ground. Mr. Soley
received lacerations to his head and abrasions from striking the
pavement. He was transported to Wayne Healthcare by Spirit
Medical Transport.
The third incident occurred on Saturday August 19, 2017 at
approximately 9:15pm. The shuttle was located at a pick up and
drop off point on the south end of the fairgrounds near the speed
office. According to witness statements, Jason Duff, age 46 of
Greenville was in the drop off area when the tractor and shuttle
operated by James McGriff, age 55 of Greenville, arrived and was coming
to a stop. The preliminary investigation indicates that the
shuttle struck Mr. Duff in the leg and ankle causing an injury.
Mr. Duff was treated by Spirit Medical Transport at the scene and
transported by Careflight to Miami Valley Hospital. He has since
been treated and released.
These incidents are still under investigation. The Darke County
Fair Board has been cooperating fully in the investigation and active
in reviewing shuttle procedures.
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