PAULDING COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities are investigating a deadly crash that claimed the life of a Paulding County man on Tuesday afternoon. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert post confirmed that 50-year-old James A. Hasch was killed in the collision, which occurred around 1:14 p.m. on County Road 123 in Jackson Township.
According to investigators, Hasch was driving southbound on County Road 123 when he attempted to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction. During the maneuver, his car collided with a separate southbound vehicle on the roadway. The impact caused him to lose control, sending his vehicle off the road where it struck a utility pole before overturning. Hasch was ejected during the violent crash and pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Troopers said the driver of the other vehicle involved in the initial impact was not injured. Neither car had any additional passengers at the time of the collision. Authorities have not released the identity of the second driver but confirmed that no further injuries were reported.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has opened a full investigation into the crash. While no official cause has been determined, investigators are examining whether factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver error played a role in the fatal incident. Toxicology tests, a routine part of crash investigations, are also pending. No citations or charges have been filed as of Tuesday evening.
Officials noted that the crash underscores the risks associated with passing maneuvers on rural roads. County Road 123, like many secondary routes in northwest Ohio, can be narrow and offer limited visibility, leaving little room for error. Safety experts urge drivers to pass only when conditions are ideal, stressing the importance of patience, clear sightlines, and safe distances before attempting to overtake another vehicle.
For the Paulding County community, Hasch’s sudden death is a devastating loss. Friends, family, and neighbors are mourning a life cut short in a matter of moments on what began as an ordinary drive. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to remind drivers that decisions made behind the wheel can carry life-or-death consequences, particularly on rural roads. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to release more details in the coming days.