Fatal accident in Heath

HEATH, Ohio – A vehicle was found early Saturday morning upside down in the Licking River.

Shortly before 9:30 A.M., Heath Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a vehicle in the Licking River.

Initially, it was unknown if a person was inside of the car. The Licking County Dive Team responded and found Jayson G. Nelson, 18, of Heath, deceased inside of the vehicle.

After further investigation, it was revealed that Nelson had been travelling westbound on Licking View Drive and lost control of his vehicle.

The vehicle had exited the left side of the road and went over an embankment, flipping upside down into the river.

The exact time of the accident is unknown, but it is believed that the vehicle had been in the water for several hours or overnight before it was noticed in the river.

There is no indication of alcohol or drug involvement at this time, but speed was believed to be a factor in the crash.