Wayne County Mourns the Loss of 14-Year-Old Mason Poore After Tragic Bicycle Crash
WAYNE COUNTY — A tight-knit community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Mason Poore of Wooster, whose life was tragically cut short Friday evening following a vehicle–bicycle crash in Chester Township.
According to a press release from the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:43 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026, on Smithville Western Road near Ogden Road. A 2023 Ram 1500 traveling eastbound struck Mason, who was also traveling eastbound on a bicycle. The impact caused Mason and his bicycle to leave the north side of the roadway. He was transported to Wooster Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the pickup, 30-year-old Robert R. Ross of Ashland, remained on scene and was not injured. Authorities said drugs and alcohol are not suspected, and the crash remains under investigation. Assisting agencies included the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, New Pittsburgh Fire and EMS, and Accelerate Towing and Recovery.
Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Mason is being remembered for the life he lived and the impact he had on those around him.
A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Orlanda Pearson of Wooster describes Mason as a dedicated wrestler who had recently discovered a new passion for basketball. Family and friends say he was hardworking, kind-hearted, and brought joy to everyone around him through both his sportsmanship and his spirit. The fundraiser also highlights the Poore family’s deep roots in helping others throughout the community.
“Mason’s mother, Jamie, is known for helping with other people’s children—whether it’s transporting them or supporting them at sports events,” the post states. “His dad, Zac, is always working with kids to help them excel in wrestling, and Mason’s older brother, Caden, shares that same commitment to helping others. Their kindness and generosity have touched so many lives.”
As the family copes with their devastating loss, the fundraiser aims to help cover funeral expenses and other unexpected costs, allowing them time to grieve and support one another without additional financial strain.
The loss has also deeply affected the Northwestern Local Schools community. Wayne County Sports founder Ben Nichols, a 2021 Northwestern High School graduate, shared an emotional statement on social media Saturday morning.
“This morning I woke up to more devastating news from the community that I hold so deeply near my heart,” Nichols wrote. “Northwestern 8th grader Mason Poore’s life was tragically cut short.”
Nichols reflected on the school district’s resilience, noting that the community is still healing from the loss of another student, Max Mendez, who died in May of last year.
“The Northwestern community is known for its passion and strength during tough times, and I know without a doubt that we will make it through this tough time and be a stronger community,” Nichols said, extending condolences to Mason’s family, friends, and classmates.
As Wayne County continues to mourn, an outpouring of prayers, shared memories, and community support stands as a testament to the young life lost and the lasting impact Mason Poore had in his 14 short years.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-poore-family-after-tragic-loss?attribution_id=sl:e4d7f61f-ff41-4523-a655-1af166605532&lang=en_US&ts=1767453727
