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

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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.

Gibsonburg Police Officer Was in Possession of Firearm & Duty Belt at Time of OVI Crash

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SENECA COUNTY – A 23-year-old Gibsonburg Police Officer named Jordan Queen was charged with Operating a Vehicle while Impaired (OVI) by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office following an incident in which she crashed her car into a pole on State Route 101 at approximately 1:30 AM early Saturday morning. Queen’s BAC was a .117, more than twice the legal limit.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

According to a Seneca County Towed Vehicle Form provided to The Fostoria Free Press, Queen was in possession of her duty belt includng a Glock firearm along with a bottle of Crown. In the State of Ohio, possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol is not classified as a felony but rather as a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.15. This law states that no person, while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, shall carry or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance. A first-degree misdemeanor can carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Police work is inherently stressful, with long hours, exposure to trauma, and the constant responsibility of public safety weighing heavily on officers. When stress and emotional strain go unaddressed—whether due to stigma, lack of resources, or inadequate support systems—it can lead to poor decision-making, such as drinking and driving, which Queen’s case exemplifies. This not only jeopardizes their own safety but also erodes public trust in those sworn to protect it. Prioritizing mental health resources and stress management for officers isn’t just a matter of personal well-being; it’s a public safety imperative that can prevent such lapses in judgment from spiraling into legal and ethical breaches.

The critical question that arises is whether this particular incident may have originated from undisclosed internal challenges within the Gibsonburg Police Department, or if it is an isolated occurrence.