CRASH INVESTIGATION

On June 30th, 2025 at approximately 8:10 a.m., Darke County Deputies along with the Darke County Accident Reconstruction Team, Pitsburg Fire, Laura Fire, Arcanum Fire and Rescue, Tri Village Rescue, Greenville Rescue, West Milton - Union Township Squad, Brookville Rescue, Miami Valley Careflight and Miami Valley MICU, were dispatched to the 1200 block of State Route 49, Arcanum Ohio, in reference to a head-on accident involving three vehicles.

Preliminary investigation revealed a silver 2011 Hyundai Genesis, driven by Da'Sika Verdell (27) of Dayton, Ohio was traveling southeast on State Route 49. Ms. Verdell attempted to pass a tractor trailer traveling in the same direction. Ms. Verdell struck a northwest black 2014 Ford F150, driven by James Caldwell (75), of Dayton, head-on. The impact caused Ms. Verdell's vehicle to come to rest in the southbound lane, facing northwest. At that time, a black 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Michelle Bilbrey (55) of Miamisburg, swerved in an attempt to avoid the accident, however still striking the rear of Ms. Verdell's vehicle.

Both Ms. Verdell and her passenger, Simeon Israel (42) of Dayton, were extracted by mechanical means. Both were transported by Arcanum Rescue to Miami Valley for serious injuries. Ms. Verdell succumbed to her injuries at Miami Valley Hospital. Mr. Caldwell was transported by Tri Village Rescue to Miami Valley Hospital for suspected serious injuries. Ms. Bilbrey and her passenger, Heather Mcneely (44) of Kettering, were treated at the scene and released.

This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.