PREBLE COUNTY —A 22-year-old New Paris resident died as a result of a crash which happened Sunday afternoon.

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the two-vehicle fatal crash which occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 7, in the 6300 block of U.S. 35 West, west of Eaton.

According to a Sheriff Mike Simpson, a preliminary investigation indicated a 2014 Hyundai was traveling westbound on U.S 35 West, when it traveled left of center into the path of an eastbound 2008 Honda Odyssey.

“The Honda Odyssey struck the passenger side of the Hyundai causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and travel into a farm field where it caught fire,” Simpson reported in a press release. “The driver of the Hyundai, 20-year-old Taylor Wilburn of Camden, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Reid Hospital. The passenger of the Hyundai, a 22-year-old male, was transported by Careflight to Miami Valley Hospital where he later died from injuries sustained during the crash. The occupants of the Honda were transported to Reid Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

After processing the scene and speaking with witnesses, authorities reported speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Dustin A. Hutchins of New Paris was later identified as the victim. U.S 35 was closed for 2.5 hours while deputies conducted their investigation.

Northwest Fire/EMS, Gasper Township EMS, Eaton Fire/EMS, Richmond EMS, and Careflight responded to the scene, according to Simpson.

The crash remained under investigation by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office at press time.