PERRY COUNTY, Ohio — A village in Perry County is mourning the loss of its mayor after he was killed in a crash earlier this week.
Somerset Mayor Tom Johnson, 68, died in a crash on Oct. 30 on Rush Creek Road near state 13 in Reading Township.
Johnson was driving a 2013 Lincon Continental east on Rush Creek Road when he did not negotiate a curve. The man traveled off the right side of the road, struck a guard rail, traveled down an embankment and overturned his vehicle.
He was taken to Genesis hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“Mayor Johnson was a devoted leader and a cherished member of the community whose commitment to the growth and well-being of Somerset, Perry County, and the whole of Appalachian Ohio will be remembered for generations to come,” village officials said in a statement.
Details about funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.
On Friday, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that flags be lowered at all public buildings and grounds in Somerset in honor of Johnson.
You can read the full statement from village officials on Johnson's death below.
It is with profound sadness that the Village of Somerset announces the passing of Mayor Tom Johnson, who died in an automobile accident on October 30, 2024. Mayor Johnson was a devoted leader and a cherished member of the community whose commitment to the growth and well-being of Somerset, Perry County, and the whole of Appalachian Ohio will be remembered for generations to come. Since his election in 2009, Mayor Johnson helped drive significant public and private investments in Perry County and Ohio’s Appalachian region, impacting civic infrastructure, economic development, arts and culture programming, and historic and nature preservation, which touched the lives of many and strengthened the community. Mayor Johnson was respected by colleagues and residents alike, and his presence and leadership will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Mayor Johnson’s family, friends, and all those who were close to him during this difficult time. We ask for privacy for the family as they mourn this tragic loss. Details about arrangements and ways to honor Mayor Johnson’s memory will be shared as they become available. In the coming days, let us remember his dedication and service to the Village of Somerset and come together in support of one another.
