PAULDING, Ohio — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into a fatal two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 20-year-old Sara Woolbright of Continental, Ohio, that occurred Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2026, in Jackson Township.
According to authorities, the crash happened at approximately 2:12 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 637 and County Road 138. The collision involved a westbound passenger vehicle and a northbound commercial truck.
Investigators say 20-year-old Sara Woolbright of Continental, Ohio, was operating a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle westbound on County Road 138. Upon reaching the intersection with State Route 637, Woolbright stopped at a posted stop sign. However, preliminary findings indicate that she failed to yield the right of way and subsequently entered the intersection.
At the same time, a 2025 Ford F-750 truck driven by 40-year-old Brian Robinson of Defiance, Ohio, was traveling northbound on State Route 637. Authorities report that Woolbright’s vehicle pulled into the path of the truck, resulting in a collision in the intersection.
Following the impact, both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest after striking a guardrail along the west side of State Route 637. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Despite life-saving efforts, Woolbright was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the truck, Brian Robinson, and his passenger, 64-year-old Ronald Sanholtz of Liberty Center, Ohio, were not injured in the incident.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, and Gideons Towing and Recovery, who worked to secure the area, assist victims, and remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. At this time, no charges have been filed, and authorities have stated that drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the crash.
Officials continue to review evidence, including roadway conditions, vehicle positions, and witness statements, as they work to determine the full circumstances that led to the collision.
The intersection where the crash occurred has since been cleared, and traffic flow has returned to normal. However, the incident has drawn renewed attention to rural intersection safety and the importance of adherence to posted traffic controls.
Anyone with additional information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol Van Wert Post as the investigation continues.
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