Fatal Head-On Collision in Seneca County Claims One Life, Leaves Two Injured
LOUDON TOWNSHIP, OH — A tragic head-on collision on State Route 18 in Seneca County on Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2025, has left one person dead and two others seriously injured. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the crash occurred at approximately 2:56 p.m. near County Road 5 in Loudon Township, a rural area in the northern part of the county.
The Crash: A Head-On Collision
The crash involved two vehicles: a 2009 Ford Escape and a 2024 Chevy Silverado. Troopers from the Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the Ford Escape, driven by David A. Yates, 61, of Tiffin, was traveling westbound on State Route 18 when it veered left of center and collided head-on with an eastbound Chevy Silverado, driven by Deanna R. Sleek, 59, of Fostoria.
At the time of the crash, Deanna Sleek was driving the Silverado with her husband, Albert F. Sleek, 52, as the front-seat passenger. The force of the collision was devastating, and emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes.
The Victims: Fatality and Serious Injuries
- David A. Yates, the driver of the Ford Escape, tragically lost his life in the crash. According to troopers, Yates was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Deanna R. Sleek, the driver of the Chevy Silverado, was wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted by Saint Vincent Life Flight to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where she was listed in stable condition.
- Albert F. Sleek, a front-seat passenger in the Silverado, was also wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He sustained serious injuries and was transported by ground to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The accident prompted a swift response from several local agencies, including the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Bascom Fire Department, Bascom EMS, and Seneca County Emergency Response. Saint Vincent Life Flight also assisted with airlifting Deanna Sleek to the hospital. Additionally, John’s Welding and Towing was called to the scene to assist with vehicle removal.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. While the exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation, the patrol has confirmed that the Ford Escape’s failure to stay in its lane contributed to the head-on crash.
The Impact on the Community
This tragedy has deeply affected the Seneca County community, where both the Sleek and Yates families are well-known. Tiffin, Fostoria, and the surrounding areas are mourning the loss of David A. Yates, whose untimely death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him.
The Sleek family, who were also severely impacted by this accident, is receiving an outpouring of support from friends and neighbors. Their journey to recovery is expected to be long, and many are offering prayers and support to help them heal physically and emotionally.
A Call for Road Safety Awareness
The tragic crash serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly the use of seatbelts. While Deanna and Albert Sleek’s decision to wear seatbelts likely contributed to their survival and stable conditions, David Yates’s failure to wear a seatbelt proved to be fatal.
Local law enforcement and safety advocates are once again urging drivers and passengers to make seatbelt use a top priority, as the difference between life and death is often as simple as buckling up. Seatbelts remain one of the most effective safety features available in a vehicle, and wearing one can dramatically reduce the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.
Investigation and Next Steps
As the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the cause of the crash, it is expected that more details will be released in the coming days. The investigation will likely include a review of the vehicles’ conditions, any potential contributing factors such as distracted or impaired driving, and the speed at the time of the crash.
Meanwhile, the families affected by this devastating incident are focused on healing, both physically and emotionally. The Sleek family’s condition is improving, and they are receiving medical care and support from loved ones. However, the loss of David A. Yates will undoubtedly leave an enduring sense of grief in the community.
A Community in Mourning
As the community mourns the loss of David Yates and supports the Sleek family in their recovery, residents are reminded of the importance of road safety and caution when traveling. While accidents are an inevitable part of life, being prepared and vigilant on the road can help prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Yates and Sleek families during this incredibly difficult time. As the investigation continues, we stand with the community of Loudon Township, and extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this heartbreaking accident.
