Newark man dies in Ohio 16 crash

COSHOCTON − The Coshocton County Sheriff's Office reported a fatal traffic crash at a construction zone on Ohio 16 where the Ohio Department of Transportation is continuing with a resurfacing project.

Authorities said the wreck occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday on Ohio 16, near Virginia Township Road 288. Tarsem Singh, 24, of Ontario, Canada, was traveling eastbound in a semi with trailer when he turned southbound onto Township Road 288 in an attempt to turn around because of the road closure. The semi was backed across both lanes of Ohio 16.

A vehicle driven by Gary Eckroate, 81, of Newark, was traveling westbound in an open lane when he struck the semi-trailer. Eckroate and passenger Frederick Winegardner, 72, of Heath, had to be extricated from the vehicle by first responders.

Eckroate was pronounced dead at the scene. Winegardner was transported to Genesis Hospital and later to Grant Medical Center with unknown injuries. Grant had him listed in critical condition on Friday morning. Singh was treated and released on scene.

Assisting on scene were the Coshocton County Coroner's Office, Conesville Fire Department, Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services, REACT and Prince's Wrecker Service.

Information from the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Newark man dies in Ohio 16 crash