DEFIANCE COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - A Defiance man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon.
82-year-old James Bailey was flown to St. Vincent's Hospital and died from his injuries. A front-seat passenger, 71-year-old Marcia Bailey, was taken to Defiance Hospital with serious injuries.
The Defiance Post of the State Patrol reports that the driver, James Bailey, failed to yield at a stop sign on Independence Road, pulled out onto U.S. 24, and was hit by an oncoming pickup truck driven by 53-year-old Brandon Sanchez of Delphos. Sanchez and two other passengers were treated and released for minor injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
March 24, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol: Richland Township – The Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on May 23, 2024 at approximately 4:44 P.M. at the intersection of US-24 and Independence Road in Richland Township, Defiance County.
James E. Bailey, age 82, of Defiance, Ohio, was operating a 2022 Honda Insight southbound on Independence Road. Brandon E. Sanchez, age 53, of Delphos, Ohio, was operating a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up southwest bound on US-24. Mr. Bailey failed to yield from a stop sign, pulled onto US-24, and was struck by Mr. Sanchez’s vehicle.
Mr. Bailey was flown to Saint Vincent’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Marcia R. Bailey, age 71, of Defiance, Ohio was a front seat passenger in his vehicle. She was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital by Defiance County EMS with serious injuries. Her current condition is unknown. Both occupants were wearing their seat belts.
Mr. Sanchez was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital by Defiance EMS. He was not wearing his seat belt. Jennifer M. Sanchez, age 48, of Delphos, Ohio was a front seat passenger in his vehicle. She was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital by Defiance County EMS. She was wearing her seat belt. Caitlin N. Sanchez, age 18, of Paulding, Ohio was a back seat passenger in his vehicle. She was transported to Defiance Regional Hospital by Defiance County EMS. She was not wearing her seat belt. All occupants in the Sanchez vehicle were treated for minor injuries and released.
The Defiance Post was assisted by the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Richland Fire and EMS, Jewell Fire and EMS, Defiance City Fire and Rescue, Defiance County ODOT, Fishers Towing, and J and R Towing. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists to always wear their safety belts and to never drive distracted.
