Ohio City man dies in 1-car accident

An Ohio City man was killed in a one-vehicle accident early Wednesday morning, according to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Joel Ross Thatcher, 21, died at approximately 3:11 Wednesday morning when he lost control of his 2009 Honda Civic while westbound on Ohio City-Venedocia Road, near Burris Road. The car veered off the left side of the roadway and hit a utility pole, breaking the vehicle into 2 pieces.

Thatcher, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car. It is unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Also assisting troopers at the scene were the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio City Fire Department/EMS and the County Coroner’s Office.

See funeral information on the Obituary Page.