Crestline man dies in two-vehicle accident

NORWICH TWP. — One man is dead and another seriously injured after a Wednesday afternoon head-on crash. Just after 3 p.m., first responders were called to the scene of a head-on crash on Section Line Road 30 just north of Old Military Road, according to a press release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Norwalk post. John R. Tracey, 65, of Willard, was driving a 2017 Ford pickup truck northbound on Section Line Road 30 when he attempted to overtake a slower moving vehicle in front of him, the release states. The attempted pass occurred in a no-passing zone, according to the patrol. While in the oncoming lane, his truck struck a 2008 Saturn hatchback driven by Samuel W. Howell, 24, of Crestline, the release states. Howell was not wearing a seatbelt and was trapped in his vehicle. He was extricated by mechanical means Howell died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Tracey's seatbelt usage is not known. He sustained serious injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to a Toledo hospital. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Huron County Sheriff's Office, Willard Fire and Rescue, Attica-Venice-Reed Fire District, Mercy Health LifeFlight, Huron County Engineer's Office, The Huron County Coroner's Office, Secor Funeral Services and A and M Towing.