Local News

Jul 21, 2025

Fort Recovery teen dies in a traffic accident early Sunday Morning


 

 

 

A Fort Recovery teenager died in a traffic accident early Sunday Morning. According to the Jay County Sheriff's Office 16 year old Charles Smith III of Indiana was driving east on State Road 26 just after 3 am when he left the roadway  Smith attempted to get back on the roadway but due to the embankment of the ditch, Smith was unable to. Due to Smith attempting to re-enter the road way the vehicle began to turn counter clockwise. The vehicle continued in the south ditch and went airborn and then the vehicle rolled several times. Smith's passenger, 16 year old Natalie Siegrist, died from her injuries. Smith was seriously injured. The report states Charles Smith was found to be under the influence of alcohol. A secondary collision happened when 24 year old Tyler Watkins of Marion, Indiana struck some of the debris. Watkins was not hurt but was also found to be under the influence and was arrested. This incident remains under investigation.


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