EATON — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle double-fatal crash on U.S. Route 127 at Mann Road that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 22 at approximately 1:10 p.m.
Edward L. Stoffregen, 74, from Somerville and Katrina M. Potter, 39, from Eaton were identified as the victims in a media release.
The preliminary investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol revealed that a 1961 Mack truck driven by Stoffregen was northbound on U.S. 127 and a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by Potter was southbound on U.S. 127.
“Other northbound traffic was stopped for a vehicle to turn west onto Mann Road. Mr. Stoffregen failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and drove left of center to avoid striking the stopped traffic, [and] Mr. Stoffregen struck Mrs. Potter head on,” the release read.
Stoffregen and Potter were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Potter had two 8-year-old passengers who were transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital and were listed in stable condition.
Alcohol/drug use is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the crash scene by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, Med Flight, Care Flight, Gasper Township Fire/EMS, the Preble County Coroner, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The crash remains under investigation.