Local News
18-Year-Old Ridge Reichman Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Tuscarawas County
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — An 18-year-old man from the New Philadelphia area was killed Sunday evening following a two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Tuscarawas County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as Ridge Reichman, 18, who died after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a pickup truck in Lawrence Township.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 7:53 p.m. on June 28 at the intersection of North Orchard Road and Northwood Avenue.
The preliminary investigation determined that Reichman was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima northbound on Northwood Avenue when he failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign.
As the Nissan entered the intersection, it was struck on the driver’s side by an eastbound 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Skylar Nelson, 27, of Bolivar.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the Nissan.
Investigators said Reichman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle during the collision.
Emergency responders transported him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Nelson and a passenger riding in the Ram pickup were not injured.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor in the crash. However, investigators have not released additional details, and the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Authorities have not indicated whether any charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Several emergency agencies assisted at the scene, including:
Bolivar Fire/EMS
Dover EMS
Strasburg EMS
Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office
Keith’s Towing
First responders worked to provide medical assistance, secure the crash scene, and assist investigators.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash and is working to determine all factors that contributed to the collision.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning after a small aircraft crashed in a field in the Whiton community of DeKalb County, Alabama, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Douglas Emge, 62, of Whiton. Emergency crews responded to the crash along County Road 3, where the single-engine aircraft came down behind the Whitton water tank.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area following reports of the aircraft crash. DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed that one person died in the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said a Van’s RV-4 crashed in a field near Albertville at approximately 6:50 a.m. The aircraft had only one person aboard, and Emge was the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating. Investigators will work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Officials have not released a cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information is expected as investigators examine the aircraft, crash site and other available evidence.
The City of Albertville issued a statement mourning Emge, describing him as a longtime and prominent member of the Albertville Regional Airport community.
According to the city, Doug Emge was the face of Albertville Regional Airport for more than 30 years and was the founder and sole owner of Albertville Aviation, which operated the airport’s fixed-base operator, or FBO.
The city said Emge was known for helping pilots, flight crews and passengers who arrived at the airport, providing assistance with fuel, rental cars, lodging and recommendations in the community.
Albertville officials also described Emge as a Marine veteran, pilot, husband, father and grandfather. The city extended its condolences to his wife, Stacy, his family and the staff and colleagues at Albertville Regional Airport.
The City of Albertville said Emge’s contributions to the airport, the city and the wider Sand Mountain community would not soon be forgotten.
Emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene as authorities continued their response.
Officials asked members of the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel work at the crash site and the investigation gets underway.
The cause of the fatal DeKalb County plane crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.