Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash in Paulding County

Paulding – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on CR138 west of TR117 in Paulding County, Jackson Township, at approximately 10:35 P.M. on June 27, 2024.

A 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Jessica Renee Sauder, 33 years of age, of Paulding, was traveling eastbound on CR138. Christopher Lynn Smith, 44 years of age, of Paulding, was walking eastbound on CR138, in the eastbound lane of travel, and was struck by Miss Sauder’s vehicle. Mr. Smith was transported to the Paulding County Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The crash remains under investigation at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department, Paulding Fire and EMS, and Gideon’s Wrecker Service.