A tragic hit-and-run incident in Ravenna Township has claimed the life of a 46-year-old local woman. Janet Lynn Slaughter was pronounced dead after being struck by two vehicles while crossing State Route 59 yesterday night around 9:45 p.m. According to WKYC, first, she was hit by an unknown dark-colored pickup truck, which left the scene immediately after that.
Following the initial collision, a second driver in a 2016 Mitsubishi Lander attempted to evade Slaughter's body lying in the road but was ultimately unable to stop in time. However, this driver pulled over to warn other motorists of the hazard, as reported by Cleveland19 News. SR 59 was closed for multiple hours while the authorities conducted their investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively seeking information on the driver of the dark pickup truck that fled the scene. "The unknown vehicle pulled to the right of the accident before fleeing the scene," WKYC observes. Slaughter was crossing from north to south when the tragedy occurred.
Investigative authorities reassured the public that alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this accident. The Portage County Coroner's Office transported Slaughter's remains to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has encouraged anyone with information to come forward and contact their Ravenna post at 330-297-1441. The Ravenna Fire Department, Portage County Sheriff's Office, and Complete Towing also responded.
