Fatal Car Crash in Ontario

• May 27, 2023

Ontario — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal car crash involving three vehicles at the intersection of Lexington Springmill Road and Park Avenue West. The crash occurred in the city limits of Ontario, Richland County, on May 27th around 2:45 pm.

Della Bekeleski, age 69, of Mansfield, was driving a 2016 Kia Soul northbound on Lexington Springmill Road. Lucas Ferguson, age 32, of Lexington, was driving westbound on Park Avenue West and was in the process of turning south onto Lexington Springmill.

Ms. Bekeleski failed to yield to the traffic signal and entered the intersection at a red light. Ms. Bekeleski struck Mr. Ferguson in the left side of his vehicle. As the Kia came to a stop it collided with a third vehicle which was driven by Christen Dingess, age 54, of Mansfield.

Ms. Bekeleski and Mr. Ferguson were transported to Ohio Health Mansfield by Springfield Township EMS. Ms. Bekeleski succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

Mr. Ferguson was later flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Ms. Dingess did not sustain any injuries from this crash.

Ontario Police, Springfield Township Fire and EMS, the Richland County Coroner, and Valley Towing assisted during this crash investigation.

The crash remains under investigation.

ASHLAND WEATHER