Van Wert, OH (August 23, 2026) – According to the crash report, a 19-year-old woman was killed on Friday morning, August 21, shortly after 9 a.m. in a two-vehicle crash at US 30 and OH 49 in Van Wert County.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol stated that Kaci Rae Sentelik of Payne was driving a Toyota Corolla southbound on OH 49. Gavin Brady Smith, 24, of Quincy, Michigan, was traveling westbound on US 30 in a truck when the vehicles entered the intersection.
Sentelik stopped at a marked stop sign before proceeding into the intersection; she failed to yield to oncoming traffic, and Smith’s truck struck the driver’s side of her Corolla. Sentelik was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to Sentelik’s family and loved ones.
What Factors Are Examined After a Fatal Intersection Crash?
Fatal intersection crashes may involve several factors, including traffic signs, right-of-way rules, vehicle speeds, visibility, and the movements of each vehicle. Investigators can examine roadway markings, vehicle damage, witness statements, and available video to establish what happened before the impact.
The direction of impact can also affect the severity of injuries. A collision involving the side of a vehicle may expose occupants to significant forces, depending on the point of impact and available protection. Vehicle inspection and roadway evidence can provide additional information about the sequence of events.
