PAULDING, Ohio (WLIO) – A Paulding man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in the rural part of the county Tuesday afternoon.
Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post said James Hasch, 50, died from injuries sustained in the crash, which happened shortly after 1 p.m. at the intersection of County Road 123, just north of County Road 126.
Investigators said Hasch was traveling south and attempting to pass another vehicle when he struck it. His car went off the right side of the road, hit a utility pole, overturned and ejected him.
The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.
September 16, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:
PAULDING, Ohio – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on September 16, 2025 at 1:14p.m. The crash occurred on County Road 123 north of County Road 126 in Jackson Township, Paulding County.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Chevrolet Camaro, operated by James A. Hasch, 50, of Paulding was traveling southbound on County Road 123 when he attempted to pass a southbound vehicle to the right.
While attempting to pass the Chevrolet Camaro struck a southbound 1998 Mercury Sable operated by Curtis W. Gawronski, 62, of Paulding. After contact the Chevrolet Camaro continued off the right side of the roadway striking a utility pole and overturning, ejecting Mr. Hasch from his vehicle.
Mr. Hasch was pronounced deceased at the scene and Mr. Gawronski was not injured in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, Paulding County Coroner’s Office, Paulding Putnam Electric, and J & R Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
