Autopsies performed on dad, son killed in car-train crash

10/20/2009

DELTA, Ohio - Autopsies were performed yesterday on a father and son killed early Saturday when their car collided with a freight train.

Christopher Butler, 41, of Liberty Center, Ohio, and Craig Chadwick, 22, of eastern Fulton County's Fulton Township, between Swanton and Delta, died in the 2 a.m. crash.

The crash occurred when Mr. Butler failed to stop for a westbound Norfolk Southern train at a private crossing through the quarter-mile long driveway of a friend's house off Fulton County Road F.

Mr. Butler's brother Steve said Mr. Butler and his son had been out to dinner with family at Ralphie's in Perrysburg that evening.

A drywall contractor and owner of Pride Drywall & Remodeling, Mr. Butler had two other sons, Brandon and Christopher, Jr.

Dr. Harry Murtiff, Fulton County coroner, released no information about the autopsies yesterday.

Visitation for Mr. Chadwick is from 2 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Barnes Funeral Chapel south of Delta, where services will follow.

Visitation for Mr. Butler will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home in Perrysburg.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at CedarCreek Church.