MARION – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on July 16, 2019 at approximately 4:10 pm on US 23 north of milepost #7 in Pleasant Township, Marion County.
The crash involved a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by Joshua S. Dingess, age 28, of Columbus, Ohio. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Dingess was traveling southbound on US 23, lost control of his vehicle, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned into a drainage ditch.
Mr. Dingess had two occupants at the time of the crash, Matthew E. Dildine, age 42, and Melissa L. Dingess, age 26, both of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Dildine was trapped in the vehicle, and Ms. Dingess was ejected from the vehicle.
Matthew Dildine was pronounced deceased at the scene by Coroner Dr. Mark Davis. Mr. Dildine was transported by Boyd’s Funeral Home to Lucas County Morgue. Melissa Dingess was transported by Pleasant Township to Marion General Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Joshua Dingess was transported by Pleasant Township to Marion General Hospital and then later transported to Grant Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Mr. and Ms. Dingess were not wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Township Fire Department, Fort Morrow Fire Department, Marion Township Fire Department, First Consolidate Fire Department, Marion County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Ron’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.