Franklin Twp. – The Swanton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash which occurred on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 24.6 in Franklin Township, Fulton County on December 16, 2020 at approximately 9:22 AM.
A 2001 Ford Ranger driven by 58-year-old Rouyn M. Alda of Temecula, California was westbound on IR 80, when he lost control of his vehicle in inclement weather. The vehicle struck a guardrail before entering the median and overturning. The passenger, 58-year-old James S. Botton of Tiffin, Ohio was ejected from the vehicle.
Mr. Botton sustained fatal injuries as a result. Mr. Alda sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Fulton County Health Center.
Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash and safety belts were not in proper use.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Fulton County EMS, Archbold Fire/EMS, Gorham Fayette Fire/EMS, and Ohio Turnpike Maintenance.