Vehicular homicide trial set for ex-UD strength coach

Former University of Dayton men’s and women’s basketball strength and conditioning coach Paul P. Ivkovich is scheduled for trial Tuesday on aggravated vehicular homicide charges.

Ivkovich, 37, was indicted in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on two counts related to the April 30, 2015 death of his 48-year-old passenger, Sharon Crawford. Ivkovich pleaded not guilty. He faces a maximum of eight years in prison.

Crawford, from Kettering, was also known as Sharon Shockey. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office ruled that Crawford died of multiple blunt force injuries.

Dayton police said Ivkovich’s 2008 Honda Accord was west-bound when it struck a concrete pillar of a train overpass on East Third Street near Webster Street. At the time, Dayton police said alcohol possibly was a factor.

“It is especially distressing when a driver decides to drink and then drive and kills someone in the process,” Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. said of Ivkovich’s indictment. “This woman’s death was completely preventable, if the defendant had simply called a cab.”

University of Dayton officials said Ivkovich resigned later in 2015. A statement from the school at the time said: “It’s a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families.

Court records indicate Judge Timothy O’Connell partly ruled in favor of Ivkovich regarding a motion for suppression. O’Connell agreed that the defendant should have had a reasonable expectation of privacy for his blood and urine tests that were taken by Miami Valley Hospital personnel for medical purposes.

Dayton police detectives had requested the results, but Ivkovich’s attorneys argued that information didn’t come via a search warrant.

O’Connell also ruled that information received from a search warrant could be admitted.

Crawford was the mother of four and a 1984 graduate of Kettering Fairmont High School, according to an online obituary.

Ivkovich began working for UD in 2011. An online biography states Ivkovich worked at Marshall University, Central Michigan University, New Mexico State University and the University of Cincinnati.

“My objective, first and foremost, is to keep the athletes healthy and limit the potential for injury on the court,” Ivkovich is quoted on a UD website page. “Secondly, I will provide a program that values consistency, progression, attention to detail, accountability and an overall commitment from each and every one of our athletes to the player development process.”

About the Author