Two people hurt in traffic accident on State Rt. 2

9/20/2010

PORT CLINTON — A Port Clinton motorist died yesterday and another driver was injured in a three-vehicle accident that closed State Rt. 2 in Ottawa County's Danbury Township at 9:45 a.m. yesterday

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State troopers said Gerald Depiero, 69, of Port Clinton, who suffered severe injuries in the crash, was flown to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where he was died around 6 p.m.

Troopers said Mr. Depiero, driving a 2006 Ford Mustang, was eastbound in the right lane of Route 2 near State Rt. 269 and drifted into the left lane, sideswiping another 2006 Mustang driven by Jason R. Nahm, 32.

The impact pushed Mr. Nahm's car into the median, where it came to rest.

Mr. Depiero's car then crossed the median and struck a westbound 2003 Ford F350 pickup truck driven by Jill A. Conner, 33, of Castalia, Ohio. His car spun around and came to rest in the westbound lane of Route 2. Investigators were uncertain if Mr. Depiero was wearing a seatbelt.

Ms. Conner's pickup overturned and landed on its left side. Troopers said she was wearing her safety belt and suffered minor injuries. She was taken to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton. Her condition was not available.

Mr. Nahm, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not hurt and his car sustained minor damage, troopers said.

The highway was closed for about an hour until the medical helicopter left and the vehicles were removed.