A 20-year-old man who had been reported missing over the weekend was found dead following a single-vehicle crash in Tuscarawas County, authorities confirmed Monday.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the New Philadelphia Highway Patrol Post is investigating the fatal crash, which occurred on U.S. Route 36 near milepost 9 in Salem Township.
Troopers said they received a call at approximately 11:01 a.m. Monday reporting a vehicle that had gone over an embankment and appeared to have been involved in a crash. Responding units located the vehicle at about 11:29 a.m.
The vehicle was identified as a 2004 GMC Sierra. Investigators said the pickup was traveling westbound on U.S. 36 when it crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the roadway, went down an embankment and struck several trees.
The driver, identified as Zachary D. Williams, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities said both Williams and the vehicle had been reported missing after a missing person report was filed by the Newcomerstown Police Department at 9:02 p.m. Sunday.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash and that Williams was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The crash remains under investigation.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Tri County EMS, the Delaware Fire Department, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office, and D&S Towing.
