Thanksgiving fatal crash driver ruled competent

FREMONT – A mental hospital has determined the man who caused a fiery fatal crash on Thanksgiving 2013 on the Ohio Turnpike is competent to face charges against him — at least for now.

Next, the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital must determine whether Andrew Gans, 25, was insane when he caused the crash that killed an elderly Toledo couple near the turnpike's Fremont exit, said Gans' attorney, Terry Rudes of Port Clinton.

Gans, who lived in Kent at the time of the crash, has been in the psychiatric hospital since last year and has been receiving treatment there for unspecified mental illness.

"They're not sure that he'll remain competent if there is a contested trial where he will have to testify," Rudes said.

Because Gans has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charges against him, the law says he must stand trial, Rudes said. There will be no plea negotiations.

Gans faces four felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide; two of the charges have specifications that Gans was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Despite Gans telling state troopers at the crash scene he was on medication and had been drinking, blood tests showed he had neither alcohol nor drugs in his system. It is not clear if the charges against him will be amended.

Sandusky County Prosecutor Tom Stierwalt was not immediately available for comment.

Gans is charged with driving at more than 125 mph in the westbound lanes of the turnpike and causing the crash that killed Wilbur and Margaret McCoy, both 77.

Rudes declined to comment on the specifics of Gans' mental issues or what Gans might recall about the night of the crash.

mksmith@gannett.com

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Twitter: @kristinasmithNM