Ohio Highway Patrol investigate crash that left Cortland man dead, others injured

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Warren Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on State Route 46 in Bazetta Township, according to officials.

Reports said at approximately 1:26 a.m. Sunday morning, a 2006 Nissan, occupied by Britni Ulam, 35, of Niles, and Frank Walter, 31, of Cortland was northbound on State Route 46.

The vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert, overturned, crossed back over the roadway, and went down an embankment, reports said.

Both occupants were not wearing their seatbelt and subsequently ejected from the vehicle. Alcohol and speed are suspected to be contributing factors in the crash, according to officials.

Officials said a secondary crash occurred prior to first responders arriving on scene, a 2014 Nissan, driven by Karen Bartone, 54, of Niles, was traveling southbound on State Route 46 in Bazetta Township.

The vehicle struck Frank Walter in the southbound lane. Bartone was not injured, according to reports.

Bazetta Township Police Department, Bazetta Township Fire Department, Cortland Police Department, and Cortland Fire Department assisted on scene.

Bazetta Township Fire Department/EMS transported Ulam to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with serious injuries. Walter was pronounced deceased on scene.

Officials said the crash remains under investigation on Sunday.