URBANA, Ohio (WDTN) — Urbana Police are investigating a fatal accident Thursday morning.
Two 19-year-old men were involved in the single-car rollover crash. It happened at around 1:30 a.m. on State Route 55, also known as Lewis B. Moore Drive.
Police tell 2 NEWS both men are students at Wittenberg University.
The driver, Charles “Chase” Gage IV, was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. He was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The passenger has been identified as Derek Williams was taken to Urbana Hospital with minor injuries.
Urbana Police tell us Gage was from Columbus, and the passenger is from Arizona. They say it’s possible the two might not have been aware of the curve in the road before the accident.
Police say speed is a factor in the accident. Alcohol is being investigated as well. The passenger tested positive for alcohol; however, tests on the driver could take several weeks.
Wittenberg University released a written statement about the accident:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of our student, Charles “Chase” Gage, 19, from Grandview, who died overnight in a car accident. I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to Chase’s family, friends, professors and our entire campus community. I have personally spoken to members of his family as well as the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI). We will be gathering as a community at noon today in Weaver Chapel to offer comfort to each other as we mourn the loss of Chase. Support services are available for all members of the campus community.”
The letter is signed by the President of the University Laurie M. Joyner.
