Local News
16-Year-Old Avante Weldon Killed in Marion Township Crash on Likens-Chapel Road
MARION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash in Marion Township that claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy late Saturday night.
According to investigators, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Likens-Chapel Road near Fairground Road in Marion County.
A preliminary investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol determined that a Mercedes-Benz was parked facing northbound on Likens-Chapel Road when it was struck from behind by a Ford Ranger driven by Timothy Best, 66, of Marion.
Authorities said Avante Weldon, 16, was standing behind the parked Mercedes-Benz at the time of the collision. The impact caused critical injuries to the teenager.
Emergency responders from Marion City Fire and EMS transported Weldon to Marion General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.
The owner of the Mercedes-Benz, Sandra Sayre, 46, of Marion, was inside the vehicle when it was struck. Two 14-year-old occupants were also inside the vehicle during the crash.
Sayre and the two juvenile passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The driver of the Ford Ranger, Timothy Best, also suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by several emergency response agencies, including:
Marion City Police Department
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Marion Township EMS
Marion City Fire and EMS
Kirby’s Towing
Emergency crews remained at the scene while investigators documented evidence and worked to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Authorities have not released additional details regarding possible contributing factors as investigators continue examining the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement as they work to determine exactly what caused the deadly crash that claimed the life of 16-year-old Avante Weldon.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.