Putnam County, OH (May 13, 2026) – A Lima man was killed, and a Bryan man was seriously hurt in a head-on crash on Wednesday, May 13, on Ohio Route 15 near milepost 4 in Monroe Township, Putnam County. The collision occurred at approximately 6:38 a.m.
Dannie Davis IV, 33, of Lima, was driving a 2005 Honda Accord westbound on Ohio 15 when his vehicle crossed left of center and struck an oncoming 2011 Infiniti G37. The Infiniti was driven by Ethan Khandaker, 25, of Bryan. Both vehicles suffered heavy damage in the crash.
Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Khandaker was taken to Mercy Health-Defiance Hospital with serious injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Drug impairment is suspected to be a factor in the collision, according to the preliminary investigation. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Dannie Davis IV, and our thoughts are with Ethan Khandaker as he recovers.
What Role Does Drug Impairment Play in Fatal Wrong-Way Crashes in Ohio?
Drug-impaired driving is a serious and growing concern on Ohio’s rural highways. When a driver is impaired, their reaction time slows, their ability to stay in their lane decreases, and the risk of a wrong-way or head-on crash rises significantly. Ohio law treats drug-impaired driving the same as alcohol-impaired driving under OVI statutes.
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest crash types on any road. On two-lane rural highways like Ohio Route 15, there is no physical barrier separating oncoming traffic, which means a vehicle crossing the centerline can collide directly with an approaching car at combined speeds. Even when both drivers are wearing seat belts, the forces generated in these crashes can be severe enough to cause fatal injuries.
