On April 17, 2026 at approximately 7:23 p.m. Darke County Deputies along with Gettysburg Fire & Rescue, and Bradford Rescue were dispatched to the 9100 block of U.S. 36 in reference to a two vehicle injury accident.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 GMC Sonoma being operated by Zachary Heaton (20) of Greenville, Ohio was traveling west on U.S. 36, west of Smith Road. A 2000 Ford F-250 pulling a trailer being operated by Benjamin Funk (38) of Covington, Ohio, was traveling east on U.S. 36. Mr. Funk traveled left of center and struck Mr. Heaton’s vehicle head-on. Mr. Funk’s vehicle continued eastbound and struck the ditch before coming to rest.
CareFlight was dispatched and transported Mr. Heaton to the Miami Valley Hospital for suspected serious injuries. Mr. Heaton’s passenger was transported to Upper Valley Medical Center to be treated for suspected minor injuries. Mr. Funk was treated and released at the scene. Mr. Funk was issued a citation for lanes of travel.
