FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION

On April 19, 2022 at 1:24 p.m. Darke County Sheriff Deputies along with Versailles Fire Department and Ansonia Rescue Squad were dispatched to the 7300 block of State Route 47 on an injury accident.

Preliminary information revealed that a white 2017 Ram truck driven by David Garke (62), of Coldwater, Ohio, was eastbound on State Route 47. Mr. Garke’s vehicle went left of center striking a white 2016 Freightliner semi-truck that was traveling westbound on State Route 47. The semi-truck was driven by William Ditchley (61), of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Garke was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Ditchley was taken to Wayne Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Darke County Coroner’s Office and Darke County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction team were on scene for this traffic accident. Ohio Department of Transportation, Darke County Emergency Management and Ohio State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement also provided assistance on the scene of the accident.

This case will remain under investigation.

Contact: Deputy Jackie Barton

Phone: (937) 548-2020