Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash on Apple Creek Road

• May 1, 2023

Green Township – On April 30, 2023 at approximately 3:05 a.m.,the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post was notified of a serious injury crash on Apple Creek Road (County Road 44) just north of Weilersville Road (Township Road 121) in Wayne County.

The on-scene investigation revealed a black 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup was traveling northbound on CR 44 and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Ford F-250 struck a ditch, culvert, utility pole, and a railroad crossing gate before overturning along the railroad tracks.

The driver of the Ford F-250, Jason E. Elder, age 24 of Sterling, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office. Mr. Elder was seat-belted at the time of the crash.

The Ford F-250 was removed from the scene by Bears Towing. Additional agencies on scene were the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Central Fire and EMS, Norfolk Southern Railroad, and AEP Utilities.

The crash is currently under investigation, but alcohol is being considered as a factor in the incident.

At this time, Apple Creek Road remains closed for utility and railroad track repairs.

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