An 81-year-old woman is facing charges after she crashed her car into Angello's 2 Go in Stark County, leading to the tragic death of a 69-year-old Canton man. This incident took place on Friday around 11:55 a.m., as per reports from Jackson Township police. Andrew Grosschmidt, the victim, succumbed to his injuries later that evening after being pinned between the vehicle and the restaurant's counter.
The driver, Barbara O'Donnell of Canal Fulton, told authorities she mistook the gas pedal for the brake while attempting to park her gray 2018 Toyota RAV4 in front of the establishment. In a statement obtained by WKYC, Jackson Township police stated, "She advised officers that she thought she was applying the brake pedal but in fact still had her foot on the gas pedal."
Emergency services said firefighters could free Grosschmidt from the wreckage before rushing him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center. As per the investigation, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the crash. The police have indicated that charges are pending, and the inquiry into the accident continues. News 5 Cleveland echoed this information.
No other injuries were reported as a result of the accident. Officials say Grosschmidt’s granddaughter, who was present at the restaurant during the collision, did not sustain injuries. O'Donnell, the driver, was treated at the scene and subsequently released. The full extent of the ramifications and charges that O'Donnell may face is yet to be detailed as the investigation proceeds. The community of Canton and patrons of Angello's 2 Go are left to reckon with sudden loss and the fragility of life in the face of such unforeseen events.
