Morral Mayor, Former Dog Warden Killed in Crash - Updated

Mon, 07/26/2010 - 1:24pm | Staff Report
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Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Sunday at 9:13 pm. The crash, on State Route 231 at Baer Road in Grand Prairie Township, killed the Mayor of Morral.

Investigators say Jane L. Watts, age 68, of Morral, was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van eastbound on State Route 231. Jestin E. Schrake, age 16, of Morral, Ohio was driving a 1993 Ford Explorer southbound on Baer Road. The preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle driven by Schrake failed to stop for a stop sign striking the Watts vehicle.

The Patrol says Watts was transported to Marion General Hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

A passenger in the Watts vehicle, Briar Watts-Rettig, age 1, of Morral, Ohio was transported to Marion General Hospital and later flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus for treatment.

Passengers in the Schrake vehicle, Jaden S. Burris, age 12, of Marion, Chad E. Burris, age 17, of Marion, and Cody D. Burris, age 15, of Marion were transported to Marion General Hospital for treatment. Chad Burris was flown to Grant Hospital in Columbus for treatment.

It is unknown at this time whether the drivers were wearing safety belts. It is believed that Briar Watts-Rettig was secured in a child safety seat and Cody Burris and Jaden Burris were wearing safety belts. Chad Burris was not wearing a safety belt. Updated conditions of those transported are not known at this time.

Watts was the current Mayor of Morral and Ridgedale school board member, as well as the former Marion County Dog Warden.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Salt Rock Fire Department and Stofcheck EMS. 

The crash remains under investigation.

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