Fatal Crash in Hancock County Under Investigation
On March 19th, 2026 at 10:04 pm, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an injury crash on State Route 186, south of County Road 97 in Hancock County.
A 2018 Kia Forte, driven by Paul Leader, age 51, of Findlay Ohio, was traveling south on State Route 186. A 2015 Hyundai Velostar, driven by Shelby Freed, age 23, of McComb Ohio, was traveling north on State Route 186. Mr. Leader’s vehicle traveled left of center and struck the northbound Hyundai.
Mr. Leader was pronounced deceased at the scene. Shelby Freed was taken by Hanco EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay for treatment.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Hanco EMS, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant McComb Portage Joint Fire Dept/EMS, and the Hancock County Coroner. Both vehicles were removed by R&A Towing.
Seat belts were worn by both drivers. This crash remains under investigation.
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