2 people die in crash at U.S. 30 & Ohio 49

VW independent/submitted information

CONVOY — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a double-fatality that occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. Christmas Eve on U.S. 30 westbound at the intersection with Ohio 49 North in Van Wert County.

According to investigating troopers, a 2019 Chevrolet Impala driven by Brandon J. Lee, 44, of Lima, was southbound on Ohio 49, while a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Nadia K. Truman, 32, of Parma Heights, was westbound on U.S. 30. After Lee’s vehicle slid beyond the stop sign and came to a stop in the driving lane of westbound U.S. 30, Truman’s vehicle struck Lee’s vehicle, pushing it onto the north shoulder of U.S. 30. Truman’s vehicle came to final rest in the passing lane of westbound U.S. 30.

Mary A. Lee, 56, also of Lima, was a rear seat passenger in the Lee vehicle, and both she and Brandon Lee were pronounced dead at the scene by Van Wert County Coroner Dr. Norman D. Means. An additional passenger in the Lee vehicle was transported by Van Wert EMS to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

Truman was transported by Convoy to Parkview Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The crash resulted in closure of U.S. 30 westbound at Ohio 49 North during the crash investigation and scene clean-up. The roadway was later reopened.

The Van Wert Post was assisted at the scene by Convoy Volunteer Fire Department and EMS personnel, Van Wert Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Van Wert County garage, Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, and Hague Towing.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always wear their seat belts and never drive distracted or impaired.