One Killed, Several Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash in Marion County

Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of State Route 309 and State Route 37 in Grand Township, at approximately 3:48 P.M on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The crash involved a black 2008 Pontiac G6 driven by 34-year-old Manuel Valdez, of Marion with front right passenger, 65-year-old Cresencio Valdez, also of Marion.  The second vehicle was a white 2017 Buick Enclave, driven by Kali Cannode, age 30 of Marion with front right passenger 30-year-old Darrick Gorenflo, also of Marion and two additional juvenile passengers. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Valdez was traveling northbound on State Route 37 when he failed to yield the right of way from a stop sign and was struck by the Buick Enclave, operated by Ms. Cannode. The Pontiac G6 then traveled off the north roadside of State Route 309 and stuck three roadway signs, a concrete post and an additional roadside sign.  The Buick Enclave also traveled off the north roadside of State Route 309.

The passenger of the Pontiac G6, Mr. Cresencio Valdez, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Mr. Manuel Valdez sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by MedFlight to The Ohio State University Medical Center. All occupants from the Buick Enclave were transported to Marion General Hospital by Marion Township EMS with minor injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Marion Township Fire and EMS, Marion City EMS, MedFlight, Scioto Valley Fire and EMS, Marseilles Fire, Southeast Hardin Joint Fire EMS, Marion County ODOT, and the Marion County Coroner’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.