NEWS

Head-on collision kills 2 in Morrow County

Staff Report

MARENGO - The Mount Gilead post of the Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating a two-car fatal crash that occurred at about 8:10 a.m. Thursday on Ohio 229 near milepost 2 in Peru Township in Morrow County.

David L: Rothgeb, 48, of Mount Vernon, was operating a silver 2004 Mazda Tribute on Ohio 229. Karri S. Shira, 25, of Mount Vernon, was operating a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. A left of center violation resulted in a head-on collision between the two vehicles, according to the patrol. The 2004 Mazda went off the south side of the roadand struck a guardrail. The 2005 Hyundai went off of the north side of the road, overturned and struck a guardrail. Rothgeb and Shira both died at the scene, according to the Morrow County coroner.

Alcohol or drug usage is unknown at this time, according to the patrol.

Shira wore a seat belt. Rothgeb did not have his seat belt on, according to the patrol.

The Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Big Walnut Joint Fire Department and the Morrow County EMS assisted at the scene.