Montpelier man killed in area traffic crash

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

PIONEER — The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle crash at approximately 8:29 p.m. Friday on U.S. 20, a half mile west of County Road 15 in Madison Township, Williams County, near the village of Pioneer.

According to investigating troopers, a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Lavon Joice, 87, of Montpelier, was eastbound on U.S. 20 when Joice lost control of his vehicle, and ended up going left of center into the westbound lane, striking a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 driven west by Roger Cordray, 49, of Toledo.

The Williams County Coroner pronounced Joice dead at the scene, and Cordray was transported to Montpelier Hospital. Both drivers were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.

The Highway Patrol was assisted by Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Williams County EMS, Williams County ODOT, Pioneer Police Department, and Pioneer and Kunkle fire departments.

The crash remains under investigation.