New indictment in traffic death

FINDLAY — A superseding indictment of an Illinois man charged in the 2023 death of a Carey man was issued this week by a Hancock County grand jury, replacing his previous indictment. Lucas S. Beabout, 34, of Moweaqua, Illinois, faces four counts, including involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony; and aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, in the 2023 death of Dennis Crace, 64, of Carey. The traffic accident occurred about two miles north of Vanlue. Crace was driving a crossover utility vehicle west on Ohio 568 at about 9:01 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023 when he was hit by Beabout's pickup, which was southbound on County Road 330, the Sheriff's Office reported. Crace was pronounced dead at the scene. Crace's family has filed a wrongful death complaint in Hancock County Common Pleas Court against Beabout. They are seeking at least $25,000. Beabout was under the influence of alcohol, failed to stop at the stop sign on County Road 330 and failed to yield the right of way to Crace, the lawsuit claims. The grand jury indictment also charges Beabout with aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony, and a third-degree felony count of aggravated vehicular homicide.