The Ohio State Highway Patrol says two men were killed in a crash in Marion County early Sunday morning. They report that alcohol is suspected as contributing to the crash that injured two others.
Troopers from the Marion Post say the two-vehicle crash occurred on December 8, 2013 at about 1:32am on State Route 203 within the intersection of Keener Road in Big Island Township.
Investigators say a 1998 Honda CRV driven by Eric A. Richie, 26 of Marion, was southbound on State Route 203 approaching the intersection of Keener Road with two passengers identified as Jarred J. Bullion, 24, and Quinton A. Owens 19, both of Marion. Bullion was the right front passenger and Owens was the right rear passenger.
A 2003 Pontiac Grand Am operated by Robert A. Persinger Jr., 31 of Marion, was eastbound on Keener Road approaching the intersection of State Route 203. The Patrol says preliminary investigation indicates Persinger failed to stop for a stop sign. The Persinger vehicle struck the right passenger side of the Richie vehicle. Both vehicles travelled off the southeast side of the intersection and into a field.
Neither the occupants nor the drivers were wearing seatbelts. Persinger, Bullion, and Owens were transported by helicopters to Grant Medical Center by MedFlight and Life Flight. Bullion passed away en route to Grant. Richie was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Dr. Marc Comianos and transported to Franklin County Morgue by Med Care Ambulance.
Persinger and Owens suffered incapacitating injuries.
Investigators say alcohol is suspected in the crash.
The State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Green Camp, New Vision and Marion Township Fire Departments, Med Care, Med Flight and Life Flight.
The crash remains under investigation.
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