(7-21-25) A Fort Recovery teenager, Natalie Siegrist (16), died in a single-vehicle traffic crash early Sunday Morning just after 3 am. Charles Smith III (16) of Salamonia, Indiana was driving east on State Road 26 when he left the roadway and attempted to get back on the roadway but due to the embankment of the ditch was unable to.

Smith attempted to re-enter the road way when the vehicle began to turn counter clockwise and continued in the south ditch and went airborne and rolled several times. Siegrist was Smith’s passenger, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. She was unconscious and reported to be in unstable condition when police arrived on scene, with emergency personnel transporting her by ambulance to IU Health Jay. She was later transported to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne where she died as a result of her injuries

Smith suffered injuries to his face.

According to the Jay County Sheriff’s Office report it indicated that Smith was found to be under the influence of alcohol, and he was administered a blood test.

A secondary collision took place when Tyler Watkins (24) of Marion, Indiana struck some of the debris. Watkins was not hurt but was also found to be under the influence and was arrested.

This incident remains under investigation.

Natalie Renee Siegrist

August 2, 2008 — July 20, 2025

Fort Recovery, Ohio

Natalie Renee Siegrist, 16, of Fort Recovery, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

She was born in Coldwater, Ohio, on August 2, 2008, to Todd and Julie (Grisez) Siegrist.

In a addition to her father and mother, Natalie is survived by her older brothers, Caleb and Austin, and her younger sister, Ali; her maternal grandparents, Louie and Ruth (Siefring) Grisez of New Weston; her aunts and uncles, Mel Siegrist of Port Richey, Florida, Missy Brown of Celina, Tony and Jessy Grisez of Fort Recovery, Russ and Ann Grisez of North Star, Dave Grisez of Fort Recovery, Rich and Julie Grisez of Fort Recovery, and Lisa and Kyle Dues of Fort Recovery.

Natalie was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Melvin and Barb (Bishop) Siegrist.

Natalie was a vibrant spirit who touched the hearts of everyone she met and was entering her junior year at Fort Recovery High School. Known for her infectious laughter and spirited personality, she brought joy and energy to every moment, especially as an avid cheerleader. 

Born with a love for the great outdoors, Natalie cherished the time spent hunting with her dad and siblings, embodying a true appreciation for nature and the beauty that surrounded her. Her friendships were equally important to her, as she embraced her teenage years with the same enthusiasm and joy that defined her character. 

Natalie’s fun-loving and sassy demeanor, coupled with her passion for life, endeared her to her peers and family alike.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Natalie’s family on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. There will be no public visitation on Friday prior to the Mass.

In honor of Natalie, memorial contributions may be given to Natalie Siegrist Memorial Fund through the Fort Recovery Community Foundation. Please make any contributions payable to the foundation with Natalie’s name in the memo.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Natalie Renee Siegrist, please visit our flower store.