Groton Township, OH : One man dead in a fatal crash on early Wednesday morning October 15th 2014

An early-morning crash took the life of a Groton Township man Wednesday, less than a mile from his home. Michael Voegle, 57, of the 9800 block of Ohio 99, was pronounced dead at the scene. Voegle was driving north on Ohio 99 just a few minutes prior to 7 a.m. when his Ford Focus struck the trailer of a semi-truck that was making a delivery to Miller's Poultry, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers. “I know that all his children are torn apart right now” Voegle's niece, Jennifer Barone said of her cousins. “From what I was told, it happened instantaneously. It didn't seem like he suffered.” Barone, who spoke fondly of the uncle who supported her most during a difficult period in her life, said the family was initially in shock Wednesday after learning of the crash. “And then the emotions started pouring out,” she said. “He was an amazing grandfather, father, brother, uncle. He was a lot to a lot of people — he lived up to every single title and surpassed it. He just impacted so many.” Troopers are still investigating what factors contributed to the fatal collision — it was still dark outside at the time of the crash and the road was wet, Patrol Lt. Brett Gockstetter said. From what troopers have gathered thus far, the semi-truck's driver, Robert Zimmerman, 40, of Wyandotte, Mich., was already in the process of maneuvering his vehicle into Miller's Poultry when Voegle's Focus crashed into the trailer. Gockstetter said the truck had functioning lights on its trailer, as well as the required reflective tape along its length. Zimmerman told troopers he did not see a car coming when he began to back up into the business's driveway, Gockstetter said. Still, troopers plan to recreate the crash during their investigation to try to determine what Voegle was seeing as he drove towards the semi-truck. They want to check if light conditions and the angle of the semi in the road contributed to the collision, Gockstetter said. It does not seem Voegle began to brake until a split-second before impact — Gockstetter said it appeared that he applied his brakes no more than 15 feet ahead of the crash site. Troopers also plan to check if distracted driving contributed to the wreck, Gockstetter said. Investigators have concluded, however, that Voegle was not wearing his seatbelt at the time. No matter the cause and no matter what contributed to his death, one thing is certain: Voegle will be missed by many. Barone was touched by the outpouring of support her family received Wednesday after the wreck. “It's hard for me to grasp that God would take such a wonderful person — but that means he must need someone wonderful up there to help him out,” Barone said. “We're happy to know he's home with the Lord.” Source : Fatal crash in Groton Township