One dead in Seneca County in early morning crash

The Ohio State Highway patrol cruiser.

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating an early morning one-truck fatal crash in Seneca County.

Troy J. Schmitz, 25, of Fostoria was driving south on County Road 7 south of Township Road 112 in Hopewell Township, Seneca County. Mr. Schmitz traveled off the left side of the road, down into a ditch and struck a utility pole. His pick-up truck flipped and came to rest on its top in the ditch. Mr. Schmitz was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and transported to the Tiffin Mercy Hospital morgue.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.