Media Release from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol

Paulding(6-8-26) – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on June 5, 2026, at approximately 2:12 PM. The crash occurred at the intersection State Route 637 and County Road 138 in Jackson Township, Paulding County.

Sara Woolbright (20) of Continental Ohio, was driving a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle westbound on County Road 138 and stopped at the intersection with State Route 637. Brian Robinson (40) of Defiance Ohio, was driving a 2025 Ford F-750 northbound on State Route 637. Woolbright failed to yield from a posted stop sign and pulled into the path of Robinson. After colliding the two vehicles ran off the west side of State Route 637 and struck a guard rail. Woolbright was pronounced deceased on scene. Robinson and his passenger Ronald Sanholtz (64) of Liberty Center Ohio, were not  injured.

The Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, and Gideons Towing and Recovery. The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Sara Woolbright

Sara Michelle Woolbright

CONTINENTAL – Sara Michelle Woolbright, 20, of Continental died at 2:12 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, following an automobile collision. She was born November 12, 2005, in Lima to Shawn and Tammy (Wheeler) Woolbright. She graduated in May 2025 from Continental High School and Vantage Career Center where she studied Exercise Science. She was currently as an STNA and employed by Vancrest of Van Wert.

Sara was a beautiful girl, both inside and out. She had the ability to light up a room either with her smile, or a match from her spitfire personality. For anyone who knew her, she was a spirited and determined young lady when it came to others she loved fiercely, deeply and passionately. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and cousins, reading series and spending time with her little siblings.

Survivors include her father Shawn (Erika Knigh) Woolbright of Continental; paternal grandfather: Cline Dockery, Jr. of Continental; maternal grandmother: Betty Wheeler of Cloverdale; 5 siblings: Zackary Coopes, Jase Woolbright, Alania Recker, Abel Woolbright and Enid Woolbright.

She is preceded in death by her mother: Tammy (Wheeler) Woolbright; sister: Lily Elizabeth Woolbright and paternal grandmother: Elizabeth Rose Dockery.

Although Sara’s time with us was cut short, she lived a life full of passion, laughter and unwavering love for her family.

Sara’s funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental, with Rev. Christopher Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses, Online condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.