MOUNT VERNON — A 48-year-old Newark man was killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 36 near Graham Road, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway patrol.
The crash occurred at 1:58 p.m. in Liberty Township, troopers said.
According to the patrol, Benjamin Harry, 17, of Mount Vernon, was driving a gray 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on U.S. 36.
Christina M. Huhn, 47, of Mount Vernon, was driving a silver 2020 Honda Accord westbound on U.S. 36, the Patrol reported.
Seated in the left front passenger seat of Huhn’s vehicle was Phalen Huhn, 23, of Mount Vernon. Paul Baker, 48, of Newark was sitting in the left rear passenger seat.
Harry’s vehicle drove left of center, striking Huhn’s vehicle head-on, according to the patrol.
Harry’s vehicle continued off the left side of the road, into a ditch.
Baker died on the scene, according to troopers. Christina Huhn and Phalen Huhn were transported to Grant Hospital in Columbus for serious injuries. Harry was treated on scene for minor injuries.
Drivers and passengers were wearing their seatbelts. Alcohol and/or drug use are not suspected factors in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Fire/EMS, Centerburg Fire/EMS and Knox County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation, troopers said.
