A Westwood pedestrian has succumbed to injuries sustained in a July 4 collision, with the Hamilton County Coroner's Office confirming the death of Hiwaot Akalu, aged 25, on Saturday, as originally reported by FOX19. The incident took place on the 3000 block of Montana Avenue around 10:15 p.m., when Akalu was hit by a 2020 Chevrolet Trax driven by another 25-year-old man. The driver, who remained at the scene for investigation, was found to be traveling at 30 mph in a 35 mph zone, indicating excessive speed was unlikely a contributing factor, according to a crash report.
It was established that Akalu "improperly crossed" the thoroughfare where the collision occurred however, neither the driver nor Akalu were subjected to alcohol or drug tests as indicated in the police report, although impairment had been initially considered as a potential contributor to the crash detailed by LOCAL12. The driver has not been charged with any crime as of the most recent updates on the situation.
The intersection of Montana Avenue and Epworth Avenue was the scene of the tragic event, which resulted in Akalu being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, as per a statement obtained by WCPO. Police had initially responded to the serious crash, which was soon followed by an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
