Convoy driver killed in crash of auto, semi

7/8/2004

CONVOY, Ohio - A Van Wert County woman was killed yesterday when a car and a tractor-trailer collided at State Rt. 49 and U.S. 30 just north of here, closing a portion of westbound U.S. 30 for about 2 1/2 hours, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Maria J. Pierce, 32, of Convoy, the driver of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers at the patrol's Van Wert post said.

Ms. Pierce was northbound on Route 49 about 5 p.m. when she pulled from the stop sign at U.S. 30 and drove into the path of the semi driven by Rocco J. Martin, 26, of Columbus, who was eastbound on U.S. 30.

The semi collided with the Pierce automobile, and the two vehicles slid into the westbound lanes of U.S. 30, where they came to rest.

Mr. Martin and Latisa L. Tatum, 20, of Columbus, who was riding in the semi, were not hurt in the crash, troopers said.