Fatal Crash Under Investigation

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash involving two commercial vehicles that occurred at approximately 10:25 pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The crash occurred on U.S. 23 southbound, north of T.R. 103 in Crawford Township, Wyandot County.

Martin A. Montoya, age 37, of Torrance, California, had been the operator of a white 2020 Volvo semi-tractor trailer that was disabled and parked on the right berm of U.S 23 southbound. Mr. Montoya had exited his vehicle and was standing on the left side of his tractor in the area of the white edge line of U.S. 23 and had the side access panel door open on his tractor. A white 2019 International semi-tractor trailer, operated by Gerti Veiza, age 27 of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was southbound on U.S. 23 in the right lane. The right-side view mirror of the International struck the side access panel door of the Volvo. Mr. Montoya was also struck at this time.

Mr. Montoya was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Veiza was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay for possible minor injuries.

Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in this crash. Next of kin notification has been made.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Carey Fire Department, Upper Sandusky EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The crash remains under investigation.