Grover Hill man dies in head-on collision

VW independent news

GROVER HILL — An area man was killed Friday afternoon in a head-on collision that occurred on Ohio 114, near Grover Hill in Paulding County.

According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, William Bates, 63, of Grover Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Joseph Kuhn from injuries received in the crash, which occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Friday.

According to investigating troopers, Bates was driving a 2002 GMC pickup truck east on Ohio 114 when a westbound 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Kyle Childs, 27, of Payne, reportedly crossed the centerline and hit the pickup head-on.

Troopers said Bates wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, while Childs, who was, suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Paulding County Hospital for treatment.

The crash forced the closure of Ohio 114 east of Grover Hill, but the highway has since been reopened. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, while charges are pending while the accident remains under investigation.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Grover Hill Fire and EMS, Parkview Samaritan LifeFlight and Gideon’s Towing Services.