A Howard, Ohio, man died in a two-vehicle accident at approximately 7:40 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, on Ohio Route 13 near Green Valley Road in Knox County’s Morris Township.
The Mount Gilead Post reported that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident in which 45-year-old Jason W. Auck, of Howard, died.
Jeffery Eckley, 56, of Paxton, Ill., was driving a white 2012 Peterbilt tractor-trailer southbound on State Route 13 when Auck’s northbound 2006 Toyota Scion crossed over the center line, the State Highway Patrol said. Auck’s vehicle was struck by Eckley’s vehicle, which traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch and a utility pole. Auck’s vehicle also traveled off the right side of the roadway, where it struck a ditch and overturned.
Auck was pronounced deceased at the scene. Eckley was transported to Knox County Community Hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, the State Highway Patrol reported. Alcohol use is not a suspected factor in the crash. The incident, however, remains under investigation.
The State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Fire/EMS, and Fredericktown Fire and EMS.
