Dewey Nagel Obituary, Death – A tragic two-vehicle collision that took place in Defiance County, Ohio, on May 26, 2025, is under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post. The crash occurred around 11:25 a.m. on State Route 15 near Deerfoot Drive in Noble Township and resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to two others.
According to troopers, the crash involved a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 and a 2020 GMC Terrain. The GMC Sierra was driven by 58-year-old Mark Riebesehl of Defiance, with 22-year-old Avery Calhoun, also from Defiance, as his passenger. The Sierra was heading eastbound on State Route 15 at the time of the accident. The GMC Terrain, operated by 67-year-old Dewey Nagel of Defiance, was traveling in the opposite direction, westbound on the same roadway.
Investigators reported that the GMC Sierra crossed over the center line into the westbound lane, where it struck the GMC Terrain head-on. The impact of the collision was severe. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but tragically, Dewey Nagel, who had been wearing his seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Both occupants of the GMC Sierra suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash. Mark Riebesehl, who authorities confirmed was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained critical injuries. He was airlifted to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center by Mercy Health Life Flight for advanced medical care. His passenger, Avery Calhoun, who had been wearing a seatbelt, also sustained serious injuries and was taken to ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital by local emergency services.
The crash prompted a large emergency response. Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post were joined at the scene by the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as crews from Defiance Fire and EMS and Noble Township Fire. The Mercy Health Life Flight team, Defiance County Coroner’s Office, and Defiance County Prosecutor’s Office also responded to the incident, alongside Schaffer Funeral Home and John’s Towing, who assisted with post-crash operations.
Authorities have indicated that impairment due to alcohol or drugs is suspected to be a factor in the crash. While a full toxicology report is pending and the investigation remains ongoing, the initial findings suggest that substance use may have played a role in Riebesehl’s failure to maintain proper lane control.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding all motorists of the critical importance of safe and responsible driving. Officials emphasize the dangers of impaired driving and urge all drivers to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel. They also stress the life-saving importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times, no matter how short the trip.
This fatal collision is a sobering example of how quickly things can go wrong on the road. A split-second decision or a moment of inattention can lead to irreversible consequences. The incident has left a community mourning the loss of Dewey Nagel, a 67-year-old resident of Defiance, and two families coping with the devastating injuries sustained by Riebesehl and Calhoun.
As investigators continue to gather information and evaluate evidence from the crash scene, they are expected to look into a number of factors including vehicle condition, driver behavior, potential impairment, and road conditions at the time of the collision. The final report may result in criminal charges if it is determined that illegal substances or other forms of negligence were involved.
The tragedy has also highlighted the essential work of first responders and support agencies in handling such emergencies. Their coordinated efforts ensured swift medical care for the injured and a thorough preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For residents of Defiance County and surrounding areas, this accident serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving. Road safety depends not only on individual decisions but also on broader public awareness and adherence to laws designed to protect all road users.
As the community reflects on this heartbreaking event, thoughts remain with the family and friends of Dewey Nagel, as well as with those hoping for the recovery of Mark Riebesehl and Avery Calhoun. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to gather details to fully understand the causes behind the crash, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.