Dayton, OH (December 23, 2023) – Police in Dayton and the Liberty Township area responded to the scene of a tragic fatal accident on Friday evening, December 21st. The accident was reported just after 5:00 p.m. on State Route 49, north of Oregon Road.
According to Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey, 24-year-0ld Trey Frech, of New Paris, was operating a 2016 Chevy sedan northbound on SR 49. At the same time 24-year-old John Schwartz, of Celina, was traveling southbound with his family in a horse-drawn buggy. Traveling with Schwartz were his 26-year-old wife Elizabeth, along with their 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter.
Police say that Frech tried to pass another vehicle in the southbound lanes by traveling into the northbound lanes. While in the northbound lane, Frech struck the horse-drawn buggy head-on and was ejected from his vehicle. Frech was taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. Schwartz and his wife were both transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Their 1-year-old daughter was sadly pronounced deceased at the crash scene.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash at this time. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. There is no additional information available.
Fatal Car Accidents in Ohio 
Between 2018 and 2022, more than 5,600 people tragically lost their lives on Ohio’s roadways. In 2022 alone, there were 1,180 fatalities reported. Serious and fatal car accidents take place approximately three times per day in Ohio and often innocent motorists are affected. These crashes occur for a variety of reasons but are most often caused by the negligence of one or more drivers involved.
If your family has been affected by a tragic crash, our condolences are with you. There is nothing more devastating than the loss of a family member in a car accident. No amount of money or compensation can ever replace the loss of a loved one. However, the process of seeking justice is often important to hold the appropriate parties accountable for their actions.
Here at the Attkisson Law Firm, we assist victims and family members following serious crashes in the Dayton area. Our team has successfully litigated serious crash cases for many years. We have received large verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Our dedication to fighting for justice is what drives us each day. We know the difficulties that you are facing and it is important that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Our team stands ready to help at any time. When you are in need of a tough and aggressive law firm, you can count on us to provide the necessary legal assistance. If you or a loved one have been affected by a serious or fatal car accident in Dayton, we will be there for you. Our consultations are free for all potential clients.
Please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at 937-632-1175 for help with your legal claim.
Note: Our team of writers utilizes a variety of external sources to gather information to produce this post. These sources range from news outlet reports and local and state police reports to social media posts, eyewitness accounts, and other relevant data concerning accidents in Dayton and throughout Ohio. While we strive for accuracy, we do not independently verify the facts surrounding these injury accidents. If you discover any inaccuracies in our reports, please inform us immediately. We are committed to correcting errors promptly. Additionally, we will consider removing a story if requested.
Disclaimer: For many years, the attorneys at Attkisson Law Firm have dedicated themselves to assisting injured accident victims and their families throughout Ohio. We want to encourage everyone to slow down and operate motor vehicles with caution. Please note this post is not an attempt to solicit business. The information provided herein should not be considered medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photograph accompanying this post was not taken at the accident scene.
