On the evening of June 12, 2025, the community of Dunkirk, Ohio, lost one of its most beloved residents in a devastating motorcycle accident that has left family and friends reeling. Joseph Allen “Joe” Bayliff, 40, was tragically killed while riding his motorcycle through the rural roads of Hardin County.
What Happened That Night
Just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, the Hardin County Central Dispatch Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a motorcycle crash at the intersection of State Route 309 and County Road 95 in Cessna Township. According to the official media release from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Bayliff was traveling eastbound on County Road 90 aboard his 2017 Harley-Davidson when the motorcycle suddenly left the north side of the roadway.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly and tragically. Bayliff’s motorcycle traveled across a drainage ditch before entering State Route 309, where he was ejected from the bike. Emergency responders, including the McGuffey Fire Department, Kenton Fire Department, BKP Ambulance District, and the Multi-County Crash Team, rushed to the scene. Despite their swift response, Bayliff was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Investigation Continues
The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The involvement of the Multi-County Crash Team signals the serious nature of the investigation, indicating that authorities are conducting a thorough examination of all potential factors that may have contributed to the accident. As of now, the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, and officials continue to piece together the events that led to this tragedy.
A Life Cut Short
Joe Bayliff was far more than just another motorcycle enthusiast. He was the heart and soul of Route 30 Harley-Davidson, the dealership he and his wife, Amanda, took over in 2018. Born in Ashland, Ohio, on October 9, 1984, Joe was adopted into a loving family and went on to graduate from Allen East High School in 2003, where he excelled as a standout athlete. He later earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Bowling Green State University.
In 2014, Joe married Amanda E. Crates, whom he lovingly called “his other half.” Together, they built a beautiful family with two daughters, Raena Quinn, and Kendall Trinity, and Joe served as a devoted stepfather to Kellen Scott and Gabriel Reis Steinmetz. The couple’s entrepreneurial spirit led them to open BayliffT Gym and Box in 2015, creating a community space that brought people together.
A Community in Mourning
The impact of Joe’s death extends far beyond his immediate family. As the general manager of Route 30 Harley-Davidson, located at 350 Tarhe Trail in Upper Sandusky, Joe had become a pillar of the local motorcycle community. The dealership closed following his death as the community grieved the loss of someone who wasn’t just a businessman but a mentor, friend, and true embodiment of the Harley-Davidson spirit.
Joe was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jenera, demonstrating his commitment to faith and community service. His charisma and zest for life touched everyone he met, with friends and family remembering him as someone who “lived life to the fullest.”
Honoring His Memory
A celebration of Joe’s life is held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Route 30 Harley-Davidson, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m. The ceremony will conclude with a motorcycle procession to St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, a fitting tribute to a man whose passion for riding defined so much of his life. Memorial contributions have been directed to The Irish Iron Memorial Fund and an education fund established for his daughters.
Joe Bayliff’s tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks motorcyclists face on the road, particularly in Ohio, where motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in recent years. As the investigation continues, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the community he helped build around his shared love of motorcycles.
