Highway Patrol investigates fatal crash on Harrison Road

Paint Township – On Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at approximately 3:53p.m. the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a severe injury traffic crash on Harrison Road (County Road 2) at the intersection with South Kansas Road (Township Road 179) in Paint Township of Wayne County.

The on-scene investigation revealed that a silver 2010 Ford E-350 van was southbound on Kansas Road and failed to stop for the posted stop sign at the intersection with Harrison Road. A blue 2018 Chevrolet Silverado was westbound on Harrison Road and struck the Ford E-350 on the driver side. Both vehicles traveled off the southwest corner of the intersection before coming to final rest.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, Patrick Baldwin, 65 years old, of Navarre, was injured in the crash and transported by Life Flight to Akron City Hospital. Mr. Baldwin eventually succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital. Mr. Baldwin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford E-350, Rex Beeler, 69 years old, of Wooster, was also injured in the crash. He was transported to Wooster Community Hospital for further evaluation. Mr. Beeler was wearing his seatbelt at the time of crash.

At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs do not appear as factors involved in this crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by South Central Fire and EMS, Life Flight, and 3 Sons Towing.

ASHLAND WEATHER