(Washington Township, Highland County, Ohio) – The Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal traffic crash involving three vehicles. The crash occurred on March 15, 2019 at approximately 10:05 P.M. on State Route 73 near mile post 15 in Washington Township, Highland County.
A preliminary investigation reveals that a 2006 Dodge 3500 pickup, operated by a 22 year old Chase S. Williamson of Hillsboro, was traveling northbound on State Route 73 when it drove left of center, striking a southbound 2009 Chevrolet Impala operated by a 65 year old Debra L. Peyton of Peebles. A 2014 BMW X5, operated by a 27 year old Cody A. Chapman of Cincinnati, Ohio, was also traveling northbound on State Route 73 when it traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a culvert and going airborne into a tree line.
Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Highland County Coroner’s Office. One occupant of the BMW X5 was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. No other injuries were reported.
State Route 73 was closed during the initial investigation and has since reopened. The Highland County Sheriff’s Office, Paint Creek Fire/EMS and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene. Alcohol or drug use are unknown at this time.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.