Interstate 71 Fatal Crash
Mansfield – The Ohio State Highway Patrol Mansfield post is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on November 8, 2021 at 1424 hours. The crash occurred on IR 71 northbound at mile post 159 in Perry Twp. Richland County, Oh. The crash occurred when James Covrett age 65, of Delaware, Oh. was outside of his vehicle changing a tire on the disabled horse trailer he was hauling. Also traveling with Mr. Covrett was Lisa Coder age 39, also of Delaware. While Mr. Covrett was changing the tire, a 2006 red Peterbuilt semi driven by Paulo Dasilva age 67 of Newark, New Jersey traveled off the right side of the road striking the horse trailer and Mr. Covrett. The semi continued across all three lanes of travel before coming to rest in the median.
Mr. Covrett was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroner. Mr. Dasilva sustained no injuries as a result of the crash. Ms. Coder was outside of the vehicle at the time of the crash but sustained no injuries. Three horses occupied the trailer but sustained no injuries from the crash as well.
The crash remains under further investigation at this time. ODOT, Richland County Coroner’s office, Troy and Washington Twp. Fire and EMS, and Shelly Smith and Son’s Towing assisted at the scene. The road was closed during the initial investigation but is now re-opened for travel