The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Van Wert Post, is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 2:40 p.m.. on Thursday afternoon, October 10, 2019, on US 127 just north of SR 81 in Van Wert County, Ohio.
A 2006 motorhome, operated by Roger D. Schilt, age 75, of West Unity, Ohio, was northbound on US 127. Mr. Schilt drifted left of center, continued off of the left side of the road, struck a ditch and came to final rest after striking a concrete culvert.
Mr. Schilt was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Catherine L. Schilt, age 74, also of West Unity, Ohio, was transported by Van Wert Fire/EMS to Van Wert Health. Mrs. Schilt was then transported via Samaritan to Parkview Regional Medical Center where she later died from her injuries.
The crash resulted in a closure of US 127 just north of SR 81 during the crash investigation and scene clean up. The roadway has since been reopened. The Van Wert Post of the Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Ohio City Volunteer Fire Department and EMS personnel, Van Wert Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation – Van Wert Facility, Van Wert County Sheriffs Office, and Hague Towing.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always wear their seat belts and never drive distracted or impaired.
(INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE VAN WERT POST OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL)