Bettsville, Ohio, man killed in early-morning crash

7/24/2007

STONY RIDGE, Ohio - A Bettsville, Ohio, man was killed early this morning when his car collided head-on with a tractor-trailer rig on U.S. 20 in Troy Township, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Scottie L. Prenzlin, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred about 5:30 a.m. near Stony Ridge, Ohio, located about 14 miles southeast of Toledo.

Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

He was driving his 1997 Ford Crown Victoria westbound on U.S. 20 when it traveled left of center into the path of an eastbound 2003 Mack semi driven by Clifford L. Hammond, 56, from Ripley, N.Y., troopers said.

Mr. Hammond, who was wearing his seat belt, was not injured in the crash.

The semi is owned by Zumstein Inc. of Lewisburg, Ohio.

The crash caused U.S. 20 to be closed from about 5:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m., troopers said.

Also assisting at the scene was Troy Township EMS and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Troopers said the crash represents the 15th fatal crash with 15 fatalities in Wood County for this year. At this time last year, the county experienced 11 fatal crashes with 15 fatalities.

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