Austin Mathias Obituary, Death: 23-year-old man dies in Fairfield County wreck
Austin Mathias Obituary, Death – A 23-year-old man lost his life in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Fairfield County, Ohio, as confirmed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). The fatal collision took place just before 1 p.m. on U.S. Route 33 near mile marker 23 in Berne Township.
According to the OSHP, both vehicles involved—a 1999 Ford Ranger and a 2022 Mazda pickup truck—were traveling eastbound on U.S. 33 at the time of the crash. Investigators say the Mazda’s driver failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended the Ford Ranger.
As a result of the impact, the Ford veered off the right side of the road. It then collided with a traffic signpost and flipped over. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced the Ford’s driver, 23-year-old Austin Mathias of Ashville, dead at the site of the crash.
The driver of the Mazda, a 21-year-old man whose name has not been released, was taken to Fairfield Medical Center for evaluation. Authorities later confirmed that he was treated and released from the hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It is not yet clear if charges will be filed or if speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the incident.
Officials have not provided further details at this time, and they continue to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Mathias’ death has left the local community grieving, as investigators work to uncover what led to the tragic chain of events on that Sunday afternoon.
