CENTERUBRG — A 22-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene after a two-vehicle crash near Centerburg on Friday night, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Kevin R. Burchett, of Worthington, died after the incident, which took place at approximately 10:10 p.m. on U.S. Route 36 in Hillar Township of Knox County.
The Patrol report states Burchett was driving a silver, 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt eastbound on U.S. 36. Meanwhile, Louis F. Wild, 60, of Mount Vernon, was driving a maroon Dodge Ram westbound on U.S. 36.
The Patrol report states that Burchett failed to negotiate a curve and drove off the right side of the road and into a ditch. Burchette’s vehicle continued back onto the road, went left of center and was struck by Wild’s vehicle. Wild was transported by MedFlight to Grant Medical Center with incapacitating injuries.
Burchett was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Wild was wearing a seatbelt, according to the Patrol.
Drugs are a suspected factor in the crash, authorities stated.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Ohio Joint Fire Diestrict and EMS.
The crash remains under investigation by the Mount Gilead Patrol Post.
