MARYSVILLE — Troopers of the Marysville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a single-vehicle serious injury crash that occurred early Thursday morning, Feb. 27, on State Route 37 and State Route 4.
Driver Olivia Nicole Windle, 17, reportedly was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Union County Memorial Hospital and was quickly transferred to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
Her passenger, Aubree Bundy, 15, of Marysville, was transported to Union County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
At approximately 12:51 a.m., troopers received a call reporting a single-vehicle accident. First responders arrived to find the vehicle had crashed into a tree and that the driver, later identified as Olivia, had been ejected from the vehicle.
The preliminary investigation shows Olivia was operating an eastbound 2001 Ford Explorer on S.R. 37 and failed to stop at the intersection of S.R. 4. The sport utility vehicle traveled off the east side of S.R. 4 and struck a tree.
The SUV reportedly overturned and struck a second tree before coming to rest. It was also determined Windle was not wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
In addition, a dog that was in the vehicle was located at the scene and appeared to have sustained injuries. A deputy from the Union County Sheriff’s Office transported the dog to MedVet.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Northern Union Fire/EMS, Leesburg Fire, Delaware County EMS and 24/7 Towing.