Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on August 16, 2019 at approximately 11:40 pm on State Route 739 at mile post 7, near Crissinger Road.
Preliminary investigation indicates that James E. Gates IV, age 42 of Marion, Ohio was operating a 2004 BMW 325Ci. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on State Route 739 when it failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox, traffic sign, utility pole, and culvert. The vehicle then overturned and struck a tree before coming to final rest on its top.
Mr. Gates was transported to Marion General Hospital by Marion Township EMS. He was then transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio by Med Flight. Mr. Gates was later pronounced deceased at Grant Medical Center.
The State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Marion Township Fire Department & EMS, Medflight, and Buckeye Collision Towing. The crash remains under investigation.