The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on August 21, 2026, at approximately 9:04 a.m. on U.S. 30 and State Route 49 in Van Wert County.
A 2010 Toyota Corolla was being driven southbound on State Route 49 by Kaci Rae Sentelik, age 19, of Payne. A 2006 Western Star 4900 was being driven westbound on U.S. 30 by Gavin Brady Smith, age 24, of Quincy, Michigan.
Sentelik stopped for a marked stop sign on State Route 49. Sentelik failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck on the driver’s side by Smith. Sentelik was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Convoy Fire Department, Van Wert Fire Department, ODOT, Van Wert Coroner’s Office, Hague Towing and Repair, Harting Farms, and Gerten Deadstock.
The crash remains under investigation.
