The Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a four-vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on Wednesday. The crash occurred on US 52 about two miles west of Manchester.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jennifer N. Cox, age 34, of North Bend, Ohio was operating a 2006 Ford Fusion eastbound on US 52. Accompanying Cox in the vehicle was Billy Reed, age 46, of Aberdeen, Ohio. David L. Greene Jr., age 22, of Manchester, Ohio was operating a 1995 Honda Civic also traveling eastbound on US 52. Accompanying Greene in the vehicle was Stormy R. Vest, age 18, also of Manchester, Ohio. Brent Markwell, age 59, of Aberdeen, Ohio was operating a 2000 Peterbilt tractor-trailer westbound on US 52. Markwell was the only occupant in the tractor-trailer. Joe Davis, age 78, of Lynx, Ohio was operating a 2019 Kia Soul eastbound on US 52. Mr. Davis was Bette Davis, age 77, his wife.
Authorities say preliminary investigations has revealed that Cox pulled slightly off the traveled portion of the roadway to allow traffic that was behind her to pass. At least two unknown vehicles safely passed. Greene Jr. attempted to pass, but struck the westbound tractor-trailer in the left front while doing so. As a result of that impact, Markwell’s’ tractor trailer veered to the left striking Davis’ vehicle.
The tractor-trailer continued off the south side of US 52 coming to final rest just prior to entering the Ohio River. Greene’s’ Honda Civic came to final rest in the roadway. Davis’ Kia Soul came to final rest also off the south side of US 52. Cox’s vehicle, which was not struck, came to a controlled stop also off the south side of US 52.
Cox and Reed were not injured in the event. Greene Jr. and Vest were eventually transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with serious injuries. Mr. Davis and his wife were both transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Markwell was pronounced deceased at the scene by a representative from the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
Markwell was a 1978 graduate of Manchester High School and spent time in the National Guard. He was also a truck driver for Hord Trucking. A funeral service f will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the Manchester United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service. James Pyle will officiate. Burial will be held at Manchester Cemetery.
Manchester Fire and EMS, West Union Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, West Union Fire and EMS, Winchester Police Department, Aberdeen Fire and EMS, AirEvac, University of Cincinnati Aircare, Ripley Fire and EMS, Adams County Emergency Management, and the Adams County Ohio Department of Transportation all assisted at the scene.
US 52 was closed until early morning Thursday. The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol- Georgetown Post.
