BERNE TOWNSHIP, OH (July 13, 2025) — A tragic crash on U.S. Route 33 claimed the life of an Ashville man Sunday afternoon, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
The collision occurred just before 1 p.m. near mile marker 23 in Berne Township. Investigators say both vehicles—a 1999 Ford Ranger and a 2022 Mazda pickup—were traveling eastbound when the Mazda’s driver reportedly failed to maintain a safe following distance and struck the rear of the Ford.
The impact forced the Ford Ranger off the right side of the roadway, where it hit a traffic signpost and overturned. The driver, 23 year old Austin Mathias of Ashville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 21-year-old driver of the Mazda, who has not been publicly identified, was transported to Fairfield Medical Center for evaluation and was later released.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. No charges have been filed at this time.
