1 killed, 4 hurt in crash near Van Wert

1/1/2010

VAN WERT - A Paulding, Ohio, woman was killed and four people were hurt in a three-vehicle crash just north of Van Wert.

Beth Matthews, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a passenger in a car driven by John Matthews, 58, of Cecil, Ohio, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Mr. Matthews was southbound on U.S. 127 and stopped at the stop sign at U.S. 224 about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday. He was hit from behind by a truck driven by Andrew Teman, 23, of Delphos.

Kelli L. Bear, 54, of Grover Hill, Ohio, who was northbound on Marsh Road, was trying to turn east on U.S. 224 when her vehicle was pushed off the road by Mr. Matthews' vehicle. Ms. Bear was treated at Van Wert County Hospital.

John Micheas and a passenger in his vehicle, Jerry Matthews, 46, of Cecil, also were treated at Van Wert County Hospital. Another passenger, Jody Matthews, 46, of Paulding was flown to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, where he was in critical condition yesterday.