CIRCLEVILLE – The Circleville Post continues to investigate a three vehicle fatal crash that occurred Saturday on U.S. 23 at approximately 10:42 p.m.
A trooper was traveling southbound on U.S. 23 when he observed a wrong-way vehicle approaching him. Trooper Adrian E. Wilson activated his lights in an attempt to capture the attention of the wrong-way driver. A 2019 Subaru Outback driven by Carol J. Fowler, 56, of Pickerington, struck Trooper Wilson and continued driving north in the southbound lanes.
He turned around to catch up to Fowler’s vehicle, but she had struck a 2012 Ford Fiesta driven by Joshua L. Fyffe, 17, of Ashville, and a 2018 Lincoln Continental driven by Scott W. Saunders, 34, of Gallipolis.
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Following the crash, Fowler’s vehicle caught fire and Trooper Wilson was able to bust out a window and get her moved to safety. He also provided first aid to Fyffe until EMS arrived. Fyffe was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his passenger Vladyslav Gaidai, 17, of Ashville was flown by Survival Flight to Grant Hospital where he is listed in serious condition. On August 21, 2019, Vladyslav Gaidai succumbed to his injuries as a result of the crash.
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Fowler was transported to Berger Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. A passenger in Saunders’ vehicle was transported to Berger Hospital where he was treated and released. The other three occupants in Saunders’ vehicle were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
UPDATE – Toxicology results were returned that indicated that Mrs. Fowler had an alcohol level of .081 at the time of the crash which is over Ohio’s prohibited amount for an Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). This crash is now considered as alcohol related. The investigation also concluded that engineering and/or the construction in the area was not a factor.
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