Stryker – The Defiance Post of the State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a three-vehicle double fatal crash that occurred at approximately 4:05 PM, Wednesday, July 18, 2018 on US 6, at County Road 23 in Williams County.
Joseph Gonzalez, age 50, of Cleveland, Ohio was operating a 2013 Peterbilt Semi-truck westbound on US 6. Rick Davis, age 64, of Wauseon, Ohio was operating a 1988 Ford Mustang, westbound on US 6 and while slowing to turn southbound on CR 23, was struck from behind by Mr. Gonzalez, pushing both vehicles left of center on US 6. Richard Keeterle, age 48, of Defiance, Ohio driving a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on US 6 when he was struck head-on by the Gonzalez semi-truck in the eastbound lane.
Mr. Keeterle was taken by Life-Flight from the scene to the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, where he was later pronounced deceased. A passenger in the Keeterle vehicle, Laura Buchholz, age 59, of Defiance, Ohio was pronounced deceased at the crash scene. Neither Mr. Keeterle nor Ms. Buchholz were wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Mr. Gonzalez was transported by Williams County EMS to the Bryan Hospital where he was treated and released. Mr. Davis refused further medical attention and was treated and released at the scene for minor injuries.
Assisting at the crash scene were the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Township Fire Department, Williams County Coroner’s Office, Williams County Prosecutor’s Office and Williams County EMS.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts, to never drive distracted or impaired, and to reduce speed during inclement weather.
(Press Release Courtesy Of The Ohio Highway Patrol)