Early morning crash kills one in Wood County

5/10/2007

BOWLING GREEN A two-vehicle crash this morning north of Bowling Green has left one person dead and another injured, according to the Walbridge post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

James A. Fitzpatrick, 45, of 453 South Haven St. in Toledo was pronounced dead at the scene after the crash that occurred between Plain and Center townships, Lt. Dean Laubacher said.

The driver of the other vehicle, Kent L. Tody, 24, of Bradner, Ohio, was taken to University Medical Center, where he remains in good condition, a hospital spokesman said.

The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. when the pick-up truck driven by Mr. Tody proceeded westbound past the stop sign at Sugar Ridge Road and into the path of Mr. Fitzpatrick s vehicle, which was southbound on State Rt. 25, the lieutenant said.

He said both vehicles sustained heavy damage and traveled off the west side of State Rt. 25. A small fire started in the engine area of Mr. Fitzpatrick s truck after the crash, but was quickly extinguished.

The drivers, who were not wearing seat belts, were both ejected from their vehicles, Lieutenant Laubacher said.

State Rt. 25 between State Rt. 582 and the city limits of Bowling Green was closed from about 7 until 9 a.m. while crews cleaned up the debris.

Assisting at the scene was the Wood County sheriff s office, Bowling Green Police Department, and Middleton Township EMS.

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