DEFIANCE COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) - A rollover crash occurred Thursday, January 22nd. The crash, involving driver James L. Bolden III (age 43), and passenger Sandra L. Lopez (age 49) were heading northbound on SR15, while Bolden overcorrected his driving, and rolled off the left side of the road approximately at 11:51 PM. This caused SR15 to be closed for nearly three hours.
Bolden suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported via Putnam County EMS to Defiance Regional. Lopez, however, suffered life-threatening injuries, and was transported to Defiance Regional, eventually being life-flighted to Parkview Regional, by Samaritan.
The crash remains under active investigation. Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts, and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
Media Release from Defiance Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Highland Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post is investigating a single vehicle rollover crash that occurred at approximately 11:51 P.M. on Thursday January 22, 2026. The crash occurred on SR15 near the Defiance Putnam County Line. SR15 was closed for nearly three hours.
A 2009 black Ford Fusion was driven by James L. Bolden III, age 43, of Lima, Ohio. Mr. Bolden III was northbound on SR15, went off the right side of the roadway and overcorrected. The vehicle continued off the left side of the roadway and overturned. A front seat passenger, Sandra L. Lopez, age 49, of Lima, Ohio sustained life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Defiance Regional, where she was later life-flighted to Parkview Regional, by Samaritan. Mr. Bolden III sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Defiance Regional by Putnam County EMS.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ayersville Fire Department, Highland Township EMS, Continental Fire Department, Putnam County EMS, and John’s Towing and Repair.
The crash remains under investigation. Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts, and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
