The New Philadelphia Highway Patrol Post is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality at the intersection of State Route 21 and State Route 212 in Franklin Township, Tuscarawas County.
The accident occurred on Saturday, June 15 at approximately 5:03 p.m. According to authorities, a maroon 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling northbound on State Route 21 when a grey 2003 Toyota Avalon, which had been stopped at the stop sign eastbound on State Route 212, failed to yield. The Avalon proceeded through the intersection and was struck on its passenger side by the Traverse.
The driver of the Traverse, a 22-year-old woman from Strasburg, sustained minor injuries in the crash. The Avalon was operated by Wen Zhao, 63, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Zhao was transported to Mercy Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Her passenger, Douglas Devan, 76, also of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office.
Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Multiple emergency response teams, including the Strasburg Fire Department, Erie Valley Fire Department, Bolivar Fire Department, Bolivar Police Department, Navarre Police Department, Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department, Strasburg Police Department, Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Paul Pratt’s Towing, and Tracer’s Towing, assisted at the scene.