FULL STORY: Fatal crash in Groton Township

UPDATE FULL STORYAn early-morning crash took the life of a Groton Township man Wednesday, less than a mile from his home.Michael Voegle, 57, of the 9800 block of Ohio 99, was pronounced dead at the scene.Read Voegle's obituary HEREVoegle was driving north on Ohio 99 just a few minutes prior to 7 a.m. when his Ford Focus struck the trailer of a semi-truck that was making a delivery to Miller's Poultry, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers."I know that all his children are torn apart right now" Voegle's niece, Jennifer Barone said of her cousins. "From what I was told, it happened instantaneously. It didn't seem like he suffered."Barone, who spoke fondly of the uncle who supported her most during a difficult period in her life, said the family was initially in shock Wednesday after learning of the crash."And then the emotions started pouring out," she said. "He was an amazing grandfather, father, brother, uncle. He was a lot to a lot of people — he lived up to every single title and surpassed it. He just impacted so many."Troopers are still investigating what factors contributed to the fatal collision — it was still dark outside at the time of the crash and the road was wet, Patrol Lt. Brett Gockstetter said.From what troopers have gathered thus far, the semi-truck's driver, Robert Zimmerman, 40, of Wyandotte, Mich., was already in the process of maneuvering his vehicle into Miller's Poultry when Voegle's Focus crashed into the trailer.Gockstetter said the truck had functioning lights on its trailer, as well as the required reflective tape along its length.Zimmerman told troopers he did not see a car coming when he began to back up into the business's driveway, Gockstetter said.Still, troopers plan to recreate the crash during their investigation to try to determine what Voegle was seeing as he drove towards the semi-truck. They want to check if light conditions and the angle of the semi in the road contributed to the collision, Gockstetter said.It does not seem Voegle began to brake until a split-second before impact — Gockstetter said it appeared that he applied his brakes no more than 15 feet ahead of the crash site.Troopers also plan to check if distracted driving contributed to the wreck, Gockstetter said.Investigators have concluded, however, that Voegle was not wearing his seatbelt at the time.No matter the cause and no matter what contributed to his death, one thing is certain: Voegle will be missed by many.Barone was touched by the outpouring of support her family received Wednesday after the wreck."It's hard for me to grasp that God would take such a wonderful person — but that means he must need someone wonderful up there to help him out," Barone said. "We're happy to know he's home with the Lord."UPDATE: 1:24 p.m. A release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol...The Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this morning at 6:48 a.m. on SR 99 just south of Wood Road in Groton Township, Erie County. Unit #1- 2014 Kenworth 8000 (truck and trailer) driven by Robert Zimmerman Jr., age 40, Wyandotte, Michigan. Mr. Zimmerman's 2014 Utility Trailer sustained damage and was towed from the scene. Both the tractor and trailer are owned by Wolf Packing Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Zimmerman was not injured and was not wearing his seatbelt. Unit #2- 2006 Ford Focus, driven by Michael Voegle, age 57, Monroeville, Ohio. Mr. Voegle's car sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene by Fast Times Towing. Mr. Voegle was not wearing his seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was taken by Ransom Funeral Home. Unit #1 was southbound on SR 99 and was backing across SR 99 into the driveway at 8602 SR 99, Monroeville, Ohio to make a delivery. Unit #2 was northbound on SR 99 and struck the trailer of Unit #1 that was in the northbound lane. Erie County Sheriff's Department, Groton Township Fire Department assisted at the scene and alcohol is not a factor in this crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. Photos from the crash are available HEREUPDATED 10:20 a.m. Ohio 99 is now open in both directions. ORIGINAL STORY: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in the 8600 block of Ohio 99 in Groton Township.A semi truck was backing into Miller's Poultry around 7 a.m. this morning when a vehicle struck the trailer of the semi. The male driver of the car died upon impact.The driver of the semi was not injured, but shaken up at the scene.The driver of the vehicle will be identified upon notification of family.The road at the scene temporarily was closed but has been opened up again. Check back for updatesRegister photo/JASON WERLING Ohio State Highway Patrol officials investigate a fatal crash in the 8600 block of Ohio 99 in Groton Township on Wednesday, October 15, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING A Groton Township firefighter looks at the wreckage under a semi trailer near Miller Poultry on Wednesday morning. Groton Township fire, Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Erie County Coroner and the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a fatal crash on Ohio 99 in Groton Township on Wednesday, October 15, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Groton Township fire, Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Erie County Coroner and the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a fatal crash on Ohio 99 in Groton Township on Wednesday, October 15, 2014.Register photo/JASON WERLING Groton Township fire, Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Erie County Coroner and the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a fatal crash on Ohio 99 in Groton Township on Wednesday, October 15, 2014.Facebook photo of Mike Voegle