Heather Decair, Barbara Wegener & Kenneth Blake killed in fatal Swanton Township Crash

SWANTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A devastating accident on Saturday evening claimed the lives of three people, as confirmed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). The crash occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on State Route 64 near Milepost 7.

The accident involved a single vehicle driven by 27-year-old Heather G. Decair of Monclova Township. Authorities reported that Decair was traveling westbound when her car veered off the road and struck a tree. The collision was fatal for all three occupants of the vehicle.

Decair, who was at the wheel, was pronounced dead at the scene, along with her two passengers. The front passenger, 50-year-old Barbara A. Wegener of Toledo, and the rear passenger, 53-year-old Kenneth J. Blake of Holland, also succumbed to their injuries. OSHP noted that both Decair and Wegener were wearing seat belts, but Blake was not restrained at the time of the crash.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the accident. Factors such as speed, road conditions, and potential distractions are being considered. While the use of seat belts by Decair and Wegener underscores the importance of safety restraints, the severity of the impact highlights the limitations of such measures in high-speed collisions.

The absence of a seat belt for Blake further emphasizes the critical role of safety restraints in mitigating injuries during accidents. Fixed-object crashes, such as those involving trees, often result in devastating outcomes due to the force of impact.

The tragic loss of life in this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and caution on the road. As the investigation continues, authorities may look to address contributing factors and use the findings to reinforce road safety awareness within the community.

Local residents are mourning the sudden loss of Decair, Wegener, and Blake, as families and friends grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. OSHP urges drivers to prioritize safe practices, including adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained.

As more details emerge, this tragedy will hopefully serve as a catalyst for renewed focus on roadway safety to prevent future accidents.