Donald “Toby” Kirkley Accident: Donald “Toby” Kirkley, 42, Dies After Vehicle Strikes Riding Lawn Mower in Morgan County
The Martinsville community is mourning the tragic loss of Donald “Toby” Kirkley, 42, who died Tuesday night after the riding lawnmower he was operating was struck by a vehicle on State Road 142 west of Wilbur.
According to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 3400 block of State Road 142 shortly after 8 p.m. following reports of a serious crash. When deputies arrived, they began investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events that led to Kirkley’s death.
Preliminary findings indicated that Randy Lawson, 44, of Stilesville, was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze westbound on State Road 142 when his vehicle collided with Kirkley’s Husqvarna riding lawnmower.
Investigators said evidence collected at the scene indicated that Kirkley was also traveling westbound in the westbound lane of State Road 142 at the time of the crash. The collision resulted in fatal injuries to Kirkley, bringing a sudden and devastating end to his life.
The crash has left family members, friends, and others in the Martinsville area grieving. For those who knew Kirkley, his death is not simply another traffic fatality—it is the loss of a person whose life was connected to the people around him through family, friendship, and everyday experiences.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities will continue reviewing the evidence gathered at the scene as they work to establish a complete account of what happened before the crash.
Roadway crashes can happen within seconds, but their consequences can last a lifetime for everyone involved. Kirkley’s loved ones are now left to cope with the painful reality of his sudden passing and the memories of the 42-year-old man they knew.
As the investigation continues, the Martinsville community joins Kirkley’s family and friends in mourning his loss and remembering the life he lived.
