This is my #1 fear... MT. GILEAD, Ohio – The State Highway Patrol said a motorcyclist died early Friday morning after hitting a deer that was crossing the road. The crash occurred on state Route 229 near Woods Church Road in eastern Knox County at about 2 a.m., according to an OSP press release. The man, only identified at this time as a 52-year-old man, was thrown from the motorcycle and died shortly thereafter. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and investigators said alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.