PRESS RELEASE

On November 22, 2025 at approximately 7:38 a.m. Darke County Deputies along with Union City Fire and Rescue and CareFlight, responded to the intersection of State Route 571 and Beamsville Union City Road for a three-vehicle injury crash.

State Route 571 and Beamsville Union City Road

Investigation revealed a 2009 blue Chevy Malibu, driven by Jenna Austerman (26) of Winchester, was traveling southeast on State Route 571 and stopped in traffic to make a left turn onto Beamsville Union City Road. This vehicle was struck in the rear left side bumper by a 2013 blue Volkswagen Passat driven by Mackenzie Charles (23) of Union City. The Volkswagen then drove left of center and struck a 2014 white Chevy Suburban head on, driven by Michael Burkett (78) of New Madison.

The driver of the Malibu was uninjured, the driver of the Passat was transported to Miami Valley Hospital aboard CareFlight. The driver of the Suburban was transported to Reid Health for minor injuries.