A pedestrian fatality occurred on I-77 northbound in Canton, Stark County, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. According to Cleveland19, a 39-year-old man, later identified as Matthew Stewart Rinaldo of Canton, was hit by a vehicle around 3:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene by the Stark County Coroner. The driver of the Kia Sportage involved in the collision stopped immediately to call 911.
According to a report from FOX8 News, the incident led to a notable traffic delay as authorities conducted their investigation. The Canton Metro Crash Team is investigating the crash, and the driver is not currently suspected of impairment from drugs or alcohol. The Canton Police Department is awaiting toxicology reports to determine if the pedestrian was under the influence at the time of the accident.
As per a statement obtained by WKYC, "Whether drugs or alcohol were a factor for the pedestrian is unknown at this time as investigators await toxicology reports," said the Canton Police Department. Investigators have encouraged anyone with pertinent information to come forward and assist in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Canton Police Department Traffic Bureau has urged those with information to contact them at 330-438-4485 and has also made provisions for anonymous tips to be sent through Tip411. Walking on the interstate, where the cars are fast and several, is fraught with obvious danger—danger that sadly materialized in this incident, leaving questions that authorities are determined to answer.
