Paulding – The Van Wert Highway Patrol Post is investigating a single vehicle, fatal crash that occurred on CR133 at SR111 in Paulding County, Emerald Township, at 1:09 A.M. on June 8, 2025.
A 2004 Audi A6, operated by Tyson Michael Ward, 18 years of age, of Oakwood, was traveling northbound on CR133. Mr. Ward failed to stop at the stop sign at SR111. After going through the intersection, the vehicle went off the left side of the roadway, striking a tree. The front seat passenger, Kaiya Raine Klopfenstein, 17 years of age, of Defiance, was pronounced deceased on scene. Mr. Ward was transported by Paulding EMS to Defiance Regional Medical Center, with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, Paulding County Coroner, and R&O Services.