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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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To Joey Wakefield and Family,

Found out from a friend here in Topeka, Ks about the lost of your cousin.
We the Cameron Family here in Topeka, want to express our condoleneces to you and your family in Champaign. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours and may you all find comfort in the Lord.

Always,
Lisa Cameron and Family
Topeka, Ks

Lisa Cameron
4:31 PM, 6/18/2009

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The prayers of the Alonzo Jones family go out to the Wakefield family. Hopefully, they will remember that God is in control. He doesn't cause evil; but sometimes, to bring glory to His name, He allows it. We must always trust Him.

mjones
12:02 PM, 6/4/2009

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Seeing that no one knows what caused the accident, it could been related to the storm that hit that night. My prayers goes out to the Wakefield family. They are good people that I've known all my life. God be with you all while you morn the lost of a loved one.

Rachel
3:47 PM, 6/3/2009

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Every time you fly by someone you think is going to slow for your driving habits this picture should come to your mind, two words "SLOW DOWN"

FreshMeat
3:31 PM, 6/3/2009

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This is horrible. I feel so bad for Ronald's family. I will keep you guys in my prayers. It's worse to look at when you actually know the person who was involved. Just like Ariel said, I pray his son does not see this pictures. Words can't even express the pain that the family and friends are going through. I knew him but I wasn't as close to him as others but he was an amazing individual. RIP Ronalds. You will be greatly missed!

Ashlee
1:17 PM, 6/3/2009

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