A Waterford man died after a two-vehicle accident on Ohio 7 near Veto Road. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

MARIETTA — The Marietta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was investigating a two-vehicle crash that took the life of a Waterford resident Thursday afternoon on Ohio 7 near the intersection of Veto Road.

The crash occurred about 3:35 p.m. Thursday involving a 2010 Ford Taurus operated by Austin G. McConaha, 27, of Waterford, and a 2012 Kenworth T8 semi operated by Gregory S. Lawrentz, 57, of Washington, W.Va.

The OSHP reported Lawrentz was slowed, attempting to make a right turn onto Veto Road when McConaha struck his vehicle in the rear. McConaha was transported to WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. Lawrentz suffered minor injuries and was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital.

Responding agencies included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Belpre Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Warren Township Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Oak Grove EMS, Marietta Fire Department EMS, Westfall Towing and Shea Towing.

Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash, the patrol reported. McConaha was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. The crash remained under investigation at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Marietta Post has investigated nine crashes involving fatalities in Washington and Morgan counties in 2023. In all nine crashes, the victims were not wearing their seatbelt. The Patrol strongly encourages the public to buckle their seatbelt every time they are in a vehicle.