MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN CLAY COUNTY WEDNESDAY CLAIMS THE LIFE OF A FARINA MAN

Illinois State Police Troop 9 along with Farina EMS personnel and the Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at approximately 5:18 pm to a report of a motorcycle accident 1 mile north on the Edgewood Rd just South of 1625E in Clay County and northwest of Iola.   Clay County Coroner, Bryce Henry was called as the driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene.  Henry identified the driver of the motorcycle as 60-year-old Ronnie L. Merritt of Farina.  Authorities say Merritt was traveling southbound on Edgewood Rd. when he came upon a curve and for unknown reasons, lost control of the motorcycle and went off into the ditch and was ejected.  An autopsy has been scheduled to help determine the exact cause of death as the Clay County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police continue to investigate the crash.