2 Killed In Fairfield County Car Crash

Two are dead following an overnight accident in Fairfield County.

The Lancaster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred at approximately 12:24 a.m. February 14th, on Pickerington Road just north of Stemen Road. Patrick Cleary, 21, of Pickerington, was traveling southbound on Pickerington Road in a silver 2007 Mazda 6. Richard Birney, 35, of Pataskala was traveling northbound on Pickerington Road in a 2011 Toyota Camry. Cleary drifted left of center and struck Birney head-on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the fatal accident and the crash remains under investigation.