Construction flagger killed in Auglaize County crash

WAPAKONETA — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash involving a construction-zone flagger in Auglaize County.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:34 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. Route 33, just east of State Route 65 South in Clay Township.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 35-year-old Tyler Joseph of West Liberty was traveling eastbound on U.S. 33 when it struck 58-year-old Troy Ray of Clyde.

Ray was working as a flagger in the eastbound lane of the construction zone. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Joseph was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

The Highway Patrol says alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors in the crash. The Wapakoneta Post continues to investigate.

The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Auglaize County CERT, Ohio Department of Transportation, St. Johns Fire and EMS, Auglaize County Coroner’s Office and Tops Towing assisted at the scene.