CLEAR CREEK TWP — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred April 1 at approximately 7 p.m. in Ashland County on Township Road 908, west of the intersection of State Route 545 in Clear Creek Township.
Investigation revealed that the vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, was being driven by a 16-year-old female from Wooster and was traveling east on Township Road 908. The vehicle lost control and traveled off the north side of the roadway. Once off the roadway the vehicle struck a utility pole and overturned.
The driver of the vehicle, along with a passenger, Rachel Sadler, 21 of Wooster, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. Both were transported to University Hospital in Ashland, where they were treated and released.
A second passenger in the vehicle, Valerie Bechtel, 23 of Marlette Michigan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
None of the occupants of the vehicle were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. Initial investigation revealed that speed was a factor in the crash. Drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a factor.
Assisting at the crash scene were Savannah Fire and EMS, the Ashland County Coroner’s Office and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.
