2 ‘critical’ after motorcycle-van accident

OSHP information

PAYNE — A motorcyclist and his passenger were both critically injured in a collision with a minivan in Paulding County this morning.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Ohio 49 and Ohio 114 south of Payne.

According to investigating troopers, A 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Edward Leverton, 40, of Payne, was southbound on Ohio 49 at 11:19 a.m. Monday when a 2000 Ford Windstar minivan driven west on Ohio 114 by William Hoverman, 62, of Van Wert, failed to yield the right-of-way, causing a collision between the two vehicles.

The minivan continued off the left side of the roadway, through a ditch and came to a stop in a field. Leverton was thrown from the motorcycle and onto the minivan’s windshield before ending up in the field. A passenger on the motorcycle, Lonnie Leverton, 38, also of Payne, was also thrown from the vehicle and ended up in the southbound lane of Ohio 49.

Lonnie Leverton was transported by Scott EMS squad to Van Wert County Hospital and she was airlifted from there by ProMedica to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. Edward Leverton was taken by Samaritan LifeFlight helicopter to Parkview. Both are listed in critical condition as of 3 p.m. Monday. Hoverman was uninjured.

The intersection of Ohio 49 and 114 was closed for a short time while aid was given to the victims and scene cleanup was underway.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Payne Volunteer Fire Department and EMS personnel, Scott EMS personnel and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash is still under investigation, the Patrol noted. The motorcycle riders were not wearing helmets and alcohol is not a factor in the crash.