FAYETTE COUNTY — Community members are mourning the loss of a longtime Washington Court House Police Department officer and chief — 78-year-old William E. Robinson — who died as the result of a motorcycle accident on Friday night.
The one-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 7:44 p.m. on Bloomingburg New Holland Road near Knight Road in Marion Township.
According to the Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), a 2005 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, operated by Robinson, was heading northwest on Bloomingburg New Holland Road when it lost control going around a curve. The motorcycle overturned in the roadway, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a ditch.
Robinson was transported to the Adena Fayette Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. According to the OSHP, he was not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.
Robinson started with the Washington Police Department in 1967 and retired in 1993. He served as police chief from July 24, 1982 until his retirement on Jan. 2, 1993.
The patrol was assisted at the scene by the New Holland Fire Department, Fayette EMS, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, New Holland Police Department, and Collin’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
