In a tragic series of events that unfolded last Friday, an 81-year-old woman inadvertently accelerated into an Angello's 2 Go restaurant in Canton, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old man. Andrew Grossmidt of Canton was the victim, who police say was pinned against the counter by the gray 2018 Toyota Rav-4 driven by Barbara O’Donnell of Canal Fulton. According to Cleveland.com, O'Donnell was trying to park her vehicle when she confused the gas pedal for the brake.
The Jackson Township Police Department responded to the accident around 11:55 a.m. at the location on 5081 Fulton Drive NW, Cleveland19 reports that firefighters worked to extricate Grossmidt from the wreckage, and he was urgently transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center but unfortunately died from his injuries later. O’Donnell received treatment at the scene before she was released, and no other patrons or employees were harmed during the incident. Police indicated drugs or alcohol were not a factor, but it remains under investigation, and charges are pending.
The presence of Grossmidt's granddaughter at the scene, who thankfully sustained no injuries, adds a poignant layer of heartbreak to the already sad narrative. Cleveland19 noted this detail, underscoring the personal loss the family and the community felt. Meanwhile, O'Donnell's apparent confusion at the time of parking has become a focal point of the ongoing investigation.
No formal charges have been detailed as of yet. Still, with the investigation continuing and facts trickling in, the consequences of the accident will unfurl in time, as the law seeks to provide a semblance of justice amidst grief, a statement echoed by multiple sources, including News 5 Cleveland, who mentioned the investigation is still ongoing, and charges are pending.
