MOUNT GILEAD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy on Wednesday afternoon.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:53 p.m. on New Year’s Eve afternoon on County Road 59 near County Road 56 in Congress Township.
According to investigators, a 16-year-old male from Galion was driving a 1999 Ford Ranger eastbound on County Road 59 when he traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.
The passenger, a 14-year-old male from Bellville, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Morrow County EMS. The driver was transported to OhioHealth Mansfield with serious injuries.
Both teens were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision, according to the patrol. Troopers stated that alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County EMS, and 24/7 Towing. The crash remains under investigation.