Highway Patrol investigating fatal crash on US 36

The New Philadelphia Highway Patrol Post is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US 36 near milepost nine in Salem Township.

The crash was reported Dec. 29. The patrol post received a call at about 11:01 a.m. about a vehicle over an embankment. Troopers responded and located the vehicle at 11:29 a.m.

The vehicle was identified as a 2004 GMC Sierra. Investigators said the pickup was traveling westbound on US 36 and crossed the centerline. The truck went off the left side of the roadway, down an embankment and struck several trees.

The driver, Zachary D. Williams, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.

The vehicle and driver matched a missing persons report filed by the Newcomerstown Police Department at 9:02 p.m. Dec. 28.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Tri County EMS, Delaware Fire Department, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office and D&S Towing.

Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.