James Hagenbuch Dead, Two Injured in Pleasant Township Crash

A tragic one-vehicle accident in Pleasant Township, Ohio, claimed the life of one man and left two others injured on Monday night. The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. Route 68 and Township Road 114. According to Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart, Lee Newman, a Dunkirk resident, was driving northbound when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree.

James Hagenbuch, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Douglas Inmon, a backseat passenger also from Dunkirk, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, where he is receiving treatment. Newman, who suffered minor injuries, was initially transported to a local hospital before being transferred to another facility for additional care.

Several agencies responded to the scene to provide emergency assistance. The Kenton Fire Department, BKP EMS, McGuffey Fire Department, and the Hardin County Coroner’s Office were among those involved. Air medical services from Lifeflight, Careflight, and Medflight were also dispatched to support the emergency response and transport victims.

The scene was managed by the Multi-County Crash Team, who are working to determine the cause of the crash. Osborn’s Towing and Recovery removed the damaged vehicle from the site after the area was secured.

Authorities are still investigating the factors that may have led to the accident. Sheriff Everhart expressed condolences to the family of James Hagenbuch and emphasized that all possible causes, including speed, road conditions, and driver impairment, are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the dangers posed by potential distractions, especially at night. The community mourns the loss of Hagenbuch, and thoughts remain with the injured as they recover.