A Clermont County Sheriff's Office deputy discovered tire track, left, that led to a crash site where Ralph Bernhardt Jr., 59, of Cincinnati, was found dead June 25. Bernhardt had been missing since June 23.

A Clermont County Sheriff's Office deputy discovered tire track, left, that led to a crash site where Ralph Bernhardt Jr., 59, of Cincinnati, was found dead June 25. Bernhardt had been missing since June 23.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Ralph Bernhardt Jr., 59, who was reported missing from Cincinnati June 23, was found dead after a car crash in Batavia Township June 25.

Lieutenant Wayne Price, operations commander at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Batavia Post, said the crash site was discovered by a Clermont County Sheriff’s Office deputy who noticed tire marks going off of the side of the road and into trees.

“Today around noon a deputy found the vehicle,” Price said. “He found tire tracks.”

After investigating, police believe Bernhardt was traveling east on State Route 32 in a 2006 Toyota Highlander and traveled off the side of the road just east of the James Sauls Drive exit.

His car went through the right of way fence and on to James Sauls Drive and continued east until it traveled off the left side of the road and into the treeline striking multiple trees, according to police.

Bernhardt was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, according to police.

Price said they are investigating what caused Bernhardt to travel off the side of the road.

Bernhardt was reported missing from Cincinnati June 23 and was last seen at United Dairy Farmers on Bauer Road at approximately 5:40 a.m. that day.

Price said they are trying to determine whether Bernhardt’s death was medically related or was the result of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash.