Crash kills Xenia man

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Staff photo by Marshall Gorby One person is dead following a single car accident on U.S. 68 north of Urbana in Champaign County, Tuesday, June 2, 2009.

Van driven by Ronald D. Wakefield went off U.S. 68 and struck a fence and two trees.

By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer Updated 8:18 AM Wednesday, June 3, 2009

SALEM TWP., Champaign County — Investigators have identified Ronald D. Wakefield of Xenia as the victim of a one-vehicle fatal crash early this Tuesday morning, June 2.

Wakefield, 26, was driving a 1998 Ford Windstar northbound on U.S. 68 just north of Herr Road when he lost control, Lt. Rick Zwyer of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. The van went off the west side of the road, striking a fence and two trees.

“There is evidence which indicates that there was some speed involved,” Zwyer said.

The Champaign County Coroner pronounced Wakefield dead at the scene. Investigators are trying to establish a time of the crash, which remains under investigation.

Jacque Donnell said she discovered the wreck around 5:30 a.m. when she got up for work.

“I saw stuff out in the yard ... we were still having the storm during the night and I thought the wind blew some stuff in,” she said.

Donnell said her son then realized the debris came from the wrecked car.

This is the third fatal crash this year in Champaign County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The crashes have resulted in the loss of five lives.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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