Grover Hill– The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on State Route 114 near the village of Grover Hill in Paulding County.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. William Bates, 63, of Grover Hill was driving east on State Route 114 near mile post 8 when his 2002 GMC pickup truck collided head on with a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by Kyle Childs, 27, of Payne. Mr. Child’s vehicle was westbound on State Route 114 and determined to have driven left of center and struck Mr. Bates’ vehicle. Mr. Bates was pronounced dead at the scene by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Joseph Kuhn. Mr. Childs was transported to Paulding County Hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The crash resulted in a brief closure of State Route 114 east of Grover Hill. The roadway has since been reopened. Mr. Childs was wearing a seat belt. Evidence suggests that Mr. Bates was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
Charges in the incident are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
The Van Wert Post was assisted by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Grover Hill Fire and EMS, Parkview Samaritan Life Flight, and Gideon’s Towing Services.
