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Fatal crash investigated at U.S. 50, S.R. 753

Multiple people were injured after a crash involving a horse and buggy and a motor vehicle in Highland County, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol.

According to reports, Highland County Coroner Dr. Jeff Beery has confirmed one fatality in the crash.

The crash occurred Thursday morning, Sept. 3. Law enforcement and first responders were dispatched to U.S. 50 and S.R. 753 west of Rainsboro.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, three people were injured. The extent of their injuries is unclear.

The Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal crash involving a horse-drawn carriage. 

The preliminary investigation revealed a horse-drawn carriage, operated by Melinda Coblentz, 49, Greenfield, was traveling southwest on U.S. Route 50 when it was struck in the rear by a GMC Sonoma, operated by Heath Snyder, 31, Hillsboro.

Melinda Coblentz succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene. The two passengers in the carriage, Barbara Coblentz, 17, and Mirian Miller, 2, Greenfield, both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported by air ambulance to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Snyder was not injured. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Highland County Sheriff’s Office, Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District, CareFlight, Highland County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Grooms & Son Towing Service. 

The incident remains under investigation.

Comment

David Anthony Mayer (not verified)

4 September 2026

Similar to February, 2021 accident on a straight stretch of US 62, south of New Market. Drivers are to blame for exceeding the visibility safety at which speed should be deemed reasonable. The number of horse drawn vehicles is only increasing. Public education is needed from Columbus. Jim Tressel's radio ads for unclaimed funds should be dropped. It's not a life or death scenario.

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