A 16-year-old passenger was killed late Tuesday morning when a 2007 Pontiac Torrent ran off Caddy Road north of Camay Road in Orange Township, Carroll County, according to troopers. The SUV left the roadway, struck a ditch, went airborne and slammed into a creek embankment. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, 18-year-old Gage Craig of Bowerston, was taken to Mercy Hospital with serious injuries.
As reported by Cleveland19, the New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash happened at about 11:51 a.m. Troopers said neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. The crash remains under investigation, the agency said.
County crash trends
Carroll County’s crash summary shows a belt-compliance rate of roughly 88.3% and flags teen-related crashes and roadway departures as ongoing concerns, tying this wreck to broader local patterns. The Ohio State Highway Patrol notes that driving off the road is a leading factor in fatal crashes statewide, and county reports point to speed and lane departures as common contributors. See the Ohio State Highway Patrol Carroll County report for more data.
Investigation and response
Troopers said they were assisted at the scene by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the county coroner’s office and several local fire departments and towing crews. Authorities have not released the passenger’s name and have asked anyone with information to contact the New Philadelphia Post. As Cleveland19 reported, investigators have not indicated whether any charges or citations will be issued.
