On a quiet Monday afternoon, September 1, 2025, the small Darke County community of Union City was struck by tragedy. Michael Roth, a 67-year-old resident known for his ties to the tight-knit town, lost his life in a devastating lawn mower accident that has left neighbors and loved ones reeling.

The incident unfolded just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Coletown-Lightsville Road and Zumbrum Road. According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, Roth was operating his Toro lawn mower along a steep side ditch when the machine lost traction. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the mower slid and overturned, pinning Roth beneath its weight at the bottom of the ditch. Despite the swift response from Ansonia Fire and Rescue, Union City Fire and Rescue, and other emergency services, Roth succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The exact duration he remained trapped remains unknown, adding to the sorrow of the incident.

The Darke County Accident Reconstruction Team and the county coroner’s investigator were promptly dispatched to the scene, working diligently to piece together the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Authorities have yet to determine whether mechanical issues or other factors contributed to the mower’s loss of traction, and the investigation remains active.

Roth’s death serves as a somber reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in routine tasks. Sheriff’s officials have urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using heavy machinery, particularly on uneven or steep terrain, where a moment’s miscalculation can lead to catastrophe.

In Union City, where community bonds run deep, Roth’s passing has cast a heavy shadow. Friends and neighbors remember him as a familiar presence, and the collective grief underscores the fragility of life. The Darke County community extends its heartfelt condolences to Roth’s family, offering support and shared sorrow during this time of profound loss.