MCCOMB, Ohio (WLIO) — A Findlay man was killed in a two-vehicle crash south of McComb in Hancock County Thursday night.
Troopers from the Findlay post say Paul Leader, 51, was killed in the crash that happened just after 10 p.m. on State Route 186, south of County Road 97.
Troopers says Leader’s vehicle was traveling south and went left of center striking a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Shelby Freed of McComb. Leader was pronounced dead at the scene, and Freed was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation.
Release from the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
McComb – On March 19th, 2026 at 10:04 pm, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office received the call of an injury crash on State Route 186 south of County Road 97 in Hancock County.
A 2018 Kia Forte, driven by Paul Leader, age 51, of Findlay Ohio, was traveling south on State Route 186. A 2015 Hyundai Velostar, driven by Shelby Freed, age 23, of McComb Ohio, was traveling north on State Route 186. Mr. Leader’s vehicle traveled left of center and struck the northbound Hyundai. Mr. Leader was pronounced deceased at the scene. Shelby Freed was taken by Hanco EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay for treatment.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Hanco EMS, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant McComb Portage Joint Fire Dept/EMS, and the Hancock County Coroner. Both vehicles were removed by R&A Towing.
Seat belts were worn by both drivers. This crash remains under investigation.
