Hoaglin Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 07:58 AM Monday morning on US Route 224 near John Yoh Road, in Van Wert County.
A 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, driven by Matthew S. Niemeyer, 18, of Fort Jennings, Ohio was traveling westbound on US Route 224. Mr. Niemeyer was negotiating a curve in the roadway when he drove off the right side of the road, struck a ditch, and a telephone pole. The vehicle partially overturned in the ditch and came back onto the roadway. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and came to rest upright after striking the ditch a second time.
Mr. Niemeyer and a front seat passenger, Brandon J. Kimmet, 17 sustained non-life threating injuries and were transported to the Van Wert County Hospital by emergency squad. A left rear passenger, Christopher J. Mohr, 17, was ejected from the vehicle and was air lifted to St. Rita’s Hospital Lima, Ohio. A right rear passenger, Jacob E. Guy, 17, was also ejected from the vehicle. Mr. Guy sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Scott Fire and EMS, Van Wert Fire Department, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Lifeflight, and Knippen’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation. All occupants were not wearing safety belts, which could have minimized injuries.
