A tragic accident early Sunday morning, December 22, claimed the life of a West Union man and left another seriously injured.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on State Route 136, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Officials say 49-year-old Marty Dotson was driving a Chevrolet Malibu when the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. Dotson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 41-year-old male passenger, whose identity has not been released, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Adams County Regional Medical Center for treatment. Authorities noted that the passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that speed, weather, and other factors are being examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts, said authorities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts reduce the risk of death in motor vehicle crashes by 45%.
The condition of the passenger has not been updated as of Sunday morning.
State Route 136 was closed for several hours overnight as authorities conducted their investigation, but it has since reopened. Anyone with information related to the crash is urged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Georgetown Post.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
