Drug use suspected in crash that killed Rumpke employee

The driver who crashed into the back of a Rumpke truck in Middletown, killing a Rumpke worker, may have been under the influence of drugs at the time, according to a crash report released today by the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Brian Jankovich, 41, of Middletown, was traveling eastbound on Central Avenue at about 42 mph in a 35 mph zone, when he struck David Evans, 52, who was collecting trash at the rear of a Rumpke trash truck near Heinkel Road about 6:30 a.m., according to the crash report.

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According to the report, the Rumpke truck had its safety lights activated while Evans was collecting trash in his reflective safety gear.

Jankovich was following too closely and troopers suspected he was under the influence of drugs, according to the crash report. No other distractions were noted on the report.

Evans was transported by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died. Jankovich was injured and was taken to Atrium Medical Center.

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About the Author

Ed Richter

Ed Richter has been a working journalist for 38 years, with the last 34 years working in various capacities covering Butler and Warren counties as a reporter and an editor. Richter covers local news and governments in Warren County focusing on Springboro, Lebanon, Franklin, Carlisle and Waynesville.