A horrible occurrence occurred in Vienna Township where two automobiles collided and an elderly man was killed.
A pall of sorrow descended upon the community as the accident happened near the crossroads of State Route 82 and Sodom Hutchings Road at approximately 10:27 a.m. on a gloomy Sunday morning.
Authorities report that a Chevrolet Malibu moving east on State Route 82 collided with a Dodge Ram 3500 traveling south on Sodom Hutchings Road.
State authorities looking into the incident discovered that the Dodge struck the Chevrolet severely because it did not surrender the right of way.
The impact of the incident was borne primarily by John Dragan, a 93-year-old Warren resident who was driving the Chevrolet.
He was taken immediately to the hospital for emergency medical assistance after the collision, where he suffered potentially fatal injuries.
John Dragan tragically passed away from his wounds soon after arriving at the hospital, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, leaving a town in mourning.
Fortunately, the driver of the Dodge who was also hurt in the incident did not suffer any serious injuries. Drugs and alcohol have not been identified by the authorities as contributing causes to the crash, indicating that the incident was most likely the consequence of a failure to cede the right of way.
Heartfelt sympathies are being sent to John Dragan’s family and loved ones during this trying time as the community struggles with his passing.
All those who had the honor of knowing him will treasure his memories and deeply miss his presence. State authorities are still investigating the tragedy as they actively try to determine what caused this unfortunate event.
Following this tragic incident, there is a general hope that the bereaved community will receive answers and closure.
May the memory of John Dragan be a lighthouse that leads the bereaved toward comfort and healing as the inquiry goes on. His tenacity and fortitude will live on as a tribute to a life well-lived and gracefully led.