Troy Township-The Athens Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred February 2, 2023, at approximately 4:35 P.M.
The crash occurred on US Route 50 at the intersection of Torch Road. The crash involved a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Linda Lou Russell, 78, of New Haven, WV, and a 2011 Ford F-150, operated by Jeffrey N. Koehler of Guysville, OH. The investigation found Mrs. Russell was attempting to pull out onto US Route 50 from Torch Road when her vehicle was struck by the vehicle being operated by Mr. Koehler.
Mrs. Russell was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital, Belpre Campus where she was later pronounced deceased. Mr. Koehler sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. The passenger in Mrs. Russell’s vehicle, Phillip S. Russell, 80, of New Haven, WV, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital, Belpre Campus where he was later transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV.
Responding agencies include: Ohio State Highway Patrol. Coolville Volunteer Fire Department, Athens County EMS, Curtis Towing, Athens Towing and Med Flight. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts. The crash remains under investigation at this time.
