Van Wert – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 2:55 PM, on SR 637 near Elm Sugar Road in Hoaglin Township, Van Wert County.
A 2002 Chrysler Sebring, driven by Robert A. Seffernick, age 17, of Melrose was northbound on SR 637. Mr. Seffernick lost control on the snow covered roadway and slid left of center and was struck by a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by David Simko, age 64, of Toledo. The Jeep overturned and both vehicles came to rest off the west side of the roadway.
Mr. Seffernick sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead on scene by the Van Wert County Coroner. Mr. Seffernick was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. Mr. Simko was extricated from his vehicle by emergency personnel on scene and transported by Samaritan LifeFlight helicopter to Parkview North Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Mr. Simko was wearing his seat belt and also had front and side air bag deployment which minimized his injuries.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash and the investigation is ongoing.
Assisting at the scene were the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Grover Hill Volunteer Fire and EMS, Brickner EMS, Parkview Samaritan, Delpha Chevy Towing, and Straightline Auto Body.
