Fatal Head-On Crash on State Route 18 in Seneca County: One Dead, Two Injured

A tragic two-vehicle crash on State Route 18 in Loudon Township, Seneca County, Ohio, claimed the life of a Tiffin man and left two Fostoria residents seriously injured on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating the incident, which occurred at approximately 2:56 p.m. near County Road 5. Below are the details of the fatal collision, including information about the victims, the cause of the crash, and the response from local authorities.

According to OSHP’s Norwalk Post, a 2009 Ford Escape driven by David A. Yates, 61, of Tiffin, was traveling westbound on State Route 18 when it veered left-of-center into the eastbound lane. The Ford collided head-on with a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Deanna R. Sleek, 59, of Fostoria. The impact was severe, resulting in one fatality and significant injuries.

•  David A. Yates: The driver of the Ford Escape was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to investigators. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

•  Deanna R. Sleek: The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was wearing her seatbelt and sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where she remains in stable condition.

•  Albert F. Sleek, 52, of Fostoria: The front-seat passenger in the Silverado, Deanna’s husband, was also wearing a seatbelt. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

The crash remains under investigation, with OSHP working to determine additional factors that may have contributed to the collision.

Emergency Response and Support

Multiple agencies responded to the scene to provide assistance and manage the aftermath of the crash. These included:

•  Seneca County Sheriff’s Office

•  Bascom Fire Department

•  Bascom EMS

•  Saint Vincent Life Flight

•  Seneca County Emergency Response

•  John’s Welding and Towing

Importance of Seatbelt Safety

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of wearing seatbelts. According to OSHP, both occupants of the Chevrolet Silverado were wearing seatbelts, which likely contributed to their survival, despite serious injuries. In contrast, David Yates, who was not wearing a seatbelt, did not survive the collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 45% for front-seat occupants. This crash serves as a sobering reminder for drivers and passengers to buckle up every time they enter a vehicle.

State Route 18 Safety Concerns

State Route 18, a key roadway in Seneca County, has been the site of several accidents in recent years. The stretch near County Road 5 in Loudon Township, where this crash occurred, may require further evaluation by local authorities to identify potential safety improvements. Residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and avoid distractions while driving on this route.

How to Stay Updated

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, and further details may be released as the investigation progresses. For the latest updates on this incident or to report information related to the crash, contact the OSHP Norwalk Post at (419) 668-8212. Additionally, check local news outlets or the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office website for announcements.

Support for the Seneca County Community

The loss of life and serious injuries in this crash have undoubtedly impacted the Tiffin and Fostoria communities. Local residents are encouraged to support one another during this difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, consider reaching out to local counseling services or community support groups in Seneca County.