Fatal Crash in Perry County

The Lancaster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a one vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Junction City man early Saturday morning.

According to the Highway Patrol, 21-year-old Mark E. Metzger was traveling southbound on Toll Gate Road right around midnight  when his GMC pickup truck went off the right side of the roadway and lost control.  The vehicle then went back left of center and off the left side of the roadway striking a tree.

Metzger was the vehicle’s only occupant.  He was not wearing his seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Highway Patrol said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation.