FREMONT, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday night on State Route 53 near Fremont. The incident, which claimed the life of 66-year-old Mark Franks of Fremont, took place at approximately 8:36 p.m. near milepost 12.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Fremont Post, Franks was driving southwest on State Route 53 when his vehicle veered off the roadway, traveling down an embankment. The Jeep then struck a ditch, hit a culvert, and collided with a utility pole before overturning. The vehicle ultimately came to rest near Sean Drive.
Franks, who was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, was extricated from the wreckage by Sandusky County Sheriff’s deputies. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, Franks was pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol suggest that alcohol and/or drugs may have contributed to the crash, though the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the full details surrounding the incident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues. The fatal crash serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of road safety.
This incident marks another tragic loss on Ohio’s roadways as authorities continue to monitor and investigate the factors contributing to fatal accidents in the region.