A Woodsfield man thrown from his vehicle Wednesday night in Monroe County was listed today in "serious but stable" condition in Wheeling Hospital.

Kevin A. Marley, 43, was transported to the hospital by emergency medical helicopter following the crash at 7:45 p.m. on Ohio 145 in Malaga, which is south of Barnesville. Today, Lt. Roger Norris of Post 7 of the Ohio State Highway Patrol in St. Clairsville said alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash.

Norris said the emergency medical helicopter transport to Wheeling Hospital may have saved Marley's life. An ambulance trip from Malaga to Wheeling would take nearly an hour, according to the lieutenant.

"I think it made quite a difference," Norris said. "When you can get them quickly from a rural area to a trauma center it always makes a difference."

The crash occurred as Marley was traveling east in a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. He lost control of the vehicle which went off the right side of the road. Marley was ejected after the vehicle struck an embankment and overturned, according to the report.

Norris said Marley is facing charges of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, failure to control the vehicle and a seatbelt violation.