An 18-year-old New Philadelphia man lost his life in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Tuscarawas County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as Ridge Reichman, who was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima when the crash occurred at approximately 7:53 p.m. on June 28 at the intersection of County Road 103 (North Orchard Road) and Township Road 1277 (Northwood Avenue) in Lawrence Township.
According to the preliminary investigation, Reichman was traveling north on Township Road 1277 when he failed to yield at a stop sign before entering the intersection. His vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Skylar Nelson, 27, of Bolivar, who was traveling east on County Road 103.
Investigators said Reichman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle during the collision. He was transported to Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Nelson and a passenger in the pickup truck were both wearing seat belts and were not injured.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as troopers continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Emergency responders from Bolivar Fire/EMS, Dover EMS, Strasburg EMS, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, and Keith’s Towing assisted at the scene.
