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
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.