MT. GILEAD, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A Mount Gilead man and a 10-year-old girl died following a two-vehicle crash in Morrow County on Sunday evening, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:56 p.m. on County Road 25, near State Route 61. Investigators say 27-year-old Skylar Beveridge of Mount Gilead was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty eastbound when the vehicle traveled left of center.
The Jeep was struck on the passenger side by a westbound 2011 GMC Sierra operated by Brody Vance, 18, of Marion.
Beveridge was transported to Morrow County Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. His passenger, a 10-year-old girl from Marengo, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Troopers confirmed that neither occupant in the Jeep was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
Vance was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital by Delaware County EMS with serious injuries.
The Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County EMS, and Delaware County EMS. While alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors, the crash remains under investigation.
State troopers reminded motorists following the incident that wearing seatbelts remains the most effective way to prevent fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.