One-Vehicle Fatal Crash Under Investigation in Wayne County
CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP — The Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post is investigating a one-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday evening in Wayne County.
According to authorities, troopers were dispatched at 6:04 p.m. on March 1, 2026, to County Road 70 (Doylestown Road) just east of State Route 57 near the city of Rittman following a report that a vehicle had struck a tree. The caller indicated the driver, who was the sole occupant, was unresponsive.
Emergency medical personnel and troopers arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Officials determined that a light green 2014 Kia Soul was traveling eastbound on County Road 70 when it gradually drifted off the left side of the roadway as the road curved slightly to the right.
The vehicle traveled more than 230 feet through a yard before coming to rest underneath a pine tree.
The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, identified as Rebecca J. Bishop, 81, of Rittman, was found deceased in the driver’s seat.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Rittman Police Department, Chippewa EMS, the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and Bear’s Towing.
Authorities stated that Bishop’s medical condition prior to the crash, as well as the exact cause of death, remains under investigation. However, natural causes are suspected.
The investigation remains ongoing.
