MONROE TOWNSHIP —A 22-year-old New Lebanon resident died as a result of a motorcycle crash in Preble County on Saturday, March 25.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol reports, Blake A. Daniel died in the crash which occurred after 10 p.m. on Ohio 726.

Troopers reported the initial investigation showed Daniel was northbound on Ohio 726 when the motorcycle went off the left side of the road, hit a culvert and a utility box. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to officials.

According to troopers, alcohol and excessive speed were not believed to be factors in the crash, which remained under investigation at press time.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, so far in 2017, there have been five single-fatality crashes in Preble County, three more than had occurred at this time in 2016.