Darke County Sheriff’s Office...
Two vehicle accident results in fatality near New Madison

On December 13, 2011 at approximately 1:34 PM Darke County Deputies, along with New Madison and Hollansburg Fire, Tri-Village Rescue, Darke County Coroner and CareFlight were dispatched to the intersection of Richmond-Palestine Road and Rush Road in reference to a two vehicle serious injury accident. CareFlight contact the Sheriff’s Office and advised they would not fly due to weather conditions.

Preliminary investigation revealed a tan Chrysler 300M, driven by Mary E. Behee, 85, New Madison, Ohio was westbound on Rush Rd. approaching the stop sign at Richmond-Palestine Rd. A light blue Chevy Suburban, driven by Matthias R. Bowser, 16, New Paris, Ohio, was northbound on Richmond-Palestine Rd. when Behee’s vehicle traveled through the intersection and was struck on the driver’s side by Bowser’s vehicle. Bowser’s vehicle came to rest in the intersection. Behee’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and came to rest in a field.

Behee was pronounced dead at the scene. Bowser was transported to Wayne HealthCare by Tri-Village Rescue where he was treated and released. Behee’s husband/passenger, Wells E. Behee, 86, New Madison, Ohio, was transported to Wayne HealthCare where he is listed in serious condition.

This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.