Middletown man dies after single-vehicle accident

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that happened earlier this morning on Ohio 123.

At around 6:40 a.m., the vehicle driven by Michael D. Leach, 26, of Middletown, was westbound on Ohio 123 just west of Dearth Road when it went off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole, according to Lt. Matt Hamilton.

Leach was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

There were two passengers — Chad Leach, the accident victim’s brother, and Dillon Leach, 7, Chad Leach’s son — in the vehicle. The father and son, of Carlisle, were transported to Atrium Medical Center in Middletown with non-life-threatening injuries. They were treated and released.

All three were wearing seat belts, according to Hamilton. The accident remains under investigation.

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