Jackson Township, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a devastating three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 48-year-old Lance M. Bolenbaugh of Bryan, Ohio. The deadly collision took place on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, along State Route 637 at the intersection with County Road 138 in Paulding County.
According to investigators, Bolenbaugh was driving northbound on State Route 637 when his vehicle became involved in a chain reaction crash with two other vehicles. The collision was severe, leaving his car heavily damaged. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency medical crews, Bolenbaugh succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving family, friends, and his community in shock.
Authorities reported that the two other drivers sustained injuries and were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed, though officials confirmed that none of the surviving victims’ injuries appear to be life-threatening. The identities of the injured drivers have not yet been released.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is working to reconstruct the crash and determine the exact sequence of events. Investigators are examining factors such as speed, right-of-way violations, and whether distraction or impairment may have played a role. Troopers stressed that it may take several days before a complete report is finalized.
The intersection of State Route 637 and County Road 138 has long been regarded by residents as a potentially hazardous stretch of roadway. Several neighbors have voiced concerns about visibility and traffic flow, noting that multiple serious accidents have occurred there in the past. The latest tragedy has reignited conversations about whether additional safety measures are needed.
Family members of Bolenbaugh are mourning a life cut short. Loved ones described him as a hardworking, dependable, and kind man who was deeply rooted in his community. His sudden passing has created a profound void, and those who knew him are left grappling with the painful reality of his loss.
In Bryan, Ohio, where Bolenbaugh lived, residents have expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to the grieving family. Social media has been filled with heartfelt tributes, with many remembering his positive influence and the many ways he touched the lives of those around him. Plans for memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Local leaders and law enforcement officials have urged drivers to exercise extra caution at busy rural intersections, where visibility and speed can create particularly dangerous conditions. Safety advocates emphasize that tragedies like this highlight the importance of vigilance behind the wheel and awareness of roadway hazards.
As the Highway Patrol’s investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information. Troopers believe additional eyewitness accounts could help clarify exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the deadly collision.
For now, Jackson Township and the broader Paulding County community are mourning the loss of Lance M. Bolenbaugh, remembering him as more than a victim of a tragic accident. His life, his impact, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, even as his death stands as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life on the road.