GRATIS — A Gratis man died Sunday in a crash after hitting a deer while on his motorcycle, resulting in him being struck by a pick-up truck.

David W. Gray, Jr., age 49, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fatal crash occurred on Sunday, Nov. 1 at approximately 6:20 p.m. in the 11000 block of S.R. 122 South, south of Gratis.

According to a media release from the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, the initial investigation determined that Gray’s motorcycle, traveling south on S.R. 122, struck a deer in the southbound lane.

Gray then lost control, traveling into the northbound lane, and was ejected from the motorcycle and was struck by a pick-up truck that was traveling north.

The occupants of the pick-up truck were not injured in the crash, and the number of occupants was not released.

S.R. 122 was closed for approximately two hours while deputies conducted their investigation.

Gratis EMS, Gratis FD and the West Elkton-Gratis Twp, FD responded to and assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office.