On October 27, 2012 at approximately 5:29 a.m. Darke County Deputies, along with Ansonia Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to US127 and SR47 in reference to a two vehicle injury accident.  Mutual aid was also requested from Versailles Fire and Rescue.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Robert H. Pierce (31) of Ansonia, was eastbound on SR47.  Pierce failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of US127 and struck a 2000 Chevy Prizm, driven by Joseph H. Winhoven (50) of Greenville, that was northbound on US127.  Winhoven and Pierce’s vehicles both went off the northeast corner of the intersection.  Both vehicles did overturn and came to rest in a parking lot on the northeast corner of the intersection.

Pierce was treated by Ansonia Rescue and was transported to Wayne Hospital.  Winhoven was trapped inside his vehicle and succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pierce’s condition is unknown at this time.  This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and the Darke County Coroner’s Office.  After the investigation is completed this report will be referred to the Darke County Prosecutor’s Office for filing of charges.

This marks Darke Counties 12^th fatal traffic crash of 2012.