Multi-car wreck along West Trenton Avenue claims life of Fostoria local, authorities say
FINDLAY, OH, (January 31, 2025) - A Friday night crash in Findlay involving multiple vehicles left one person dead and injured another, according to authorities. The incident happened on West Trenton Avenue at the northbound ramp of Interstate 75.
Clarance Bethel II, a 45-year-old resident of Fostoria, was killed as a result of a three-vehicle collision along West Trenton Avenue in Findlay Friday night, according to a news release.
The fatality victim has been identified as Clarance Bethel II. Sadly, the Fostoria resident, age 46, died at the scene.
Based on preliminary findings, a gray 2023 Kia Sorento driven by a 40-year-old was stopped facing westbound on Trenton, waiting for a red light. Meanwhile, Bethel’s white 2007 Ford Focus was also stopped in the right turn only lane of Trenton, ready to merge onto I-75. Authorities say a third vehicle—a silver 2024 Nissan Altima—was going northbound, at a high rate of speed, on the I-75 northbound exit ramp around 9:35 p.m. when its driver lost control, slammed into the Nissan, and then crashed into the Ford near the driver’s door.
The Nissan’s driver was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with serious injury. He lives in Lansing, Michigan.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
The NHTSA reports that in 2019, 9,478 people were killed in crashes involving speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Clarance Bethel II may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).