VERMILION TWP., Ohio — A tragic single-vehicle crash in the early morning hours of February 27 has claimed the lives of two Vermilion men, according to authorities. The deadly accident occurred along US 6 near mile marker 25 in Erie County, shutting down the roadway for several hours as investigators worked at the scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Sandusky Post reported that troopers were dispatched to the crash at approximately 2:07 a.m. Officials said Rickey Morgan, 49, was driving a 2008 Honda Accord westbound on US 6 when he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway before Morgan attempted to correct his path.

Authorities said Morgan overcorrected, briefly returned to the roadway, and then lost control again. The car went off the right side of the road a second time, striking two traffic signs before crashing into a tree. The impact caused severe damage to the vehicle, which came to rest off the roadway.

Morgan and his front-seat passenger, Robert Senn Jr., 65, also of Vermilion, were not wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden loss has left the Vermilion community mourning two lives cut short in a matter of moments.

Multiple agencies responded to assist at the scene, including the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Township Fire Department, Vermilion Police Department, LifeCare EMS, Riddle Funeral Home, and Interstate Towing. US 6 was closed for approximately two hours while crews cleared the wreckage and conducted an initial investigation.

Troopers stated that alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. Authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of wearing seat belts and never operating a vehicle while impaired. Meanwhile, family and friends of Morgan and Senn are left grieving as the community reflects on the tragic events of that early morning.