Fatal Crash on SR 79

An accident on State Route 79 turns deadly Monday afternoon.

Troopers with the Granville Post of the State Highway Patrol said the crash took place on State Route 79 west of Millersport Road in Union Township.

The crash happened just before 3:30 pm.

Troopers say a 2012 Ford F-150, driven by 70-year-old Robert Burdette, was traveling west on 79 when it was struck head on by a 2008 Chevy Cobalt, driven by 18-year-old Christian Ruda, who went left of center.

Troopers say Burdette was taken to Fairfield Medical Center for minor injuries.

Ruda was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers suspect Ruda was distracted at the time of the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.