A tragic three-vehicle crash in Carroll County on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of a 70-year-old man and left two others injured, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:56 p.m. on June 24 along State Route 43 near milepost 25 in Brown Township. Investigators said a westbound 2016 Volkswagen Golf attempted to pass a 2019 Ram 1500 when it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with an eastbound 2012 Subaru Outback.
Authorities reported that the Ram pickup was also struck during the crash. The truck traveled off the north side of the roadway, while the Subaru overturned and came to rest on its roof in the roadway.
The driver of the Subaru, 70-year-old Lee D. Meadows of Waynesburg, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Carroll County Coroner’s Office. Troopers said Meadows was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
A passenger in the Subaru, 39-year-old Emily N. Meadows of Malvern, was injured and transported by EMT Ambulance to Aultman Hospital for treatment. Officials said it is unknown whether she was wearing a seat belt.
The driver of the Ram, 34-year-old Cole Kneeper of Malvern, sustained minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt and received treatment at the scene from emergency medical personnel.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the driver of the Volkswagen, 31-year-old Ronald R. Romano III of Malvern, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He suffered serious injuries and was transported by Quad Ambulance to Mercy Hospital.
Investigators believe speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Whether alcohol or other forms of impairment played a role has not yet been determined.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Family members, friends, and loved ones are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Lee D. Meadows, whose life was tragically cut short in the devastating collision. As the community reflects on this sudden loss, many are keeping all those affected by the crash in their thoughts and prayers while wishing a full recovery for the injured victims.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Great Trail Fire Department, Brown Township Fire Department, Quad Ambulance Service, EMT Ambulance Service, Carroll County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Keith’s Towing, and Rocky’s Towing.
