The Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred on March 3, 2017, at approximately 4:20 P.M. on State Route 136, near Milepost 14, in Wayne Township, in Adams County.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that a gray, 2006 Chevrolet HHR, operated by Michael A. Eldridge, age 49, of West Union, Ohio, was traveling northbound on State Route 136. Michael Eldridge’s vehicle drove left of center striking head-on a black, 2016, Dodge Ram 3500, operated by William Chapman, age 57, also of West Union, Ohio. William Chapman’s vehicle was also struck in the rear by a beige, 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Brandi N. Fletcher, age 39, of Winchester, Ohio.
Michael Eldridge was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adams County Coroner’s Office. The front seat passenger in Michael Eldridge’s vehicle, Connie Myers, age 56, of West Union, was flown from the scene by Air Evac Ambulance Service helicopter, to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for life threatening injuries.
William Chapman was transported by the Wayne Township Life squad to the Adams County Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. One juvenile passenger from Brandi Fletcher’s vehicle was transported by the Village of Winchester Life Squad to the Adams County Regional Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Michael Eldridge was not wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash, and drugs are suspected to be a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation by the Patrol. The Wayne Township Fire-EMS, Winchester Fire-EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation were present assisting at the scene. State Route 136 was closed for approximately five-hours during the course of the investigation.
“OVI-related crashes accounted for 37 percent of all fatal crashes in Ohio,” said Sergeant Anthony Pearcy. “You can help fight the battle against impaired driving by actively influencing friends and family not to drive impaired.”
The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, and/or drug activity.