A late-night effort to clear a downed tree from a Stark County road ended in tragedy Saturday when a driver plowed through the scene and took off, leaving one man dead and two others seriously hurt in Bethlehem Township.
Troopers were called just after 10:30 p.m. to Hudson Drive east of Beth Avenue, where three people had stopped to move a tree that was blocking the roadway. According to FOX 8, one of those residents, identified as Gregory Cutcher, was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital with serious injuries and later died. Authorities have not announced any arrests in the case.
How the Crash Unfolded
News 5 Cleveland reports that troopers responded around 10:37 p.m. on May 23 after an eastbound vehicle struck the fallen tree blocking Hudson Drive. Three people were standing at the tree when the vehicle came through: a 21-year-old Canton man who suffered minor injuries, and two Navarre residents — a 79-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman — who were taken to area hospitals with more serious injuries.
What Investigators Are Asking
Investigators say the vehicle that hit the tree is a small, light-colored four-door sedan, possibly white, silver, or gray, and that the driver did not stay at the scene, according to Cleveland 19. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking anyone who might have seen the car, the driver or has video from the area to contact the Canton Post at (330) 433-6200.
State Law on Leaving the Scene
Under the Ohio Revised Code, leaving the scene of a crash that results in a death is a felony. It is generally a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the driver knew the crash caused a death, and it carries potential prison time, mandatory license suspension, and possible restitution, along with financial-responsibility requirements.
Lt. Johnnie Maier, commander of the OSHP Canton Post, told local reporters that investigators have a photo of the suspect vehicle and urged witnesses to come forward, noting that the roadway was wet at the time, and it is not clear whether the driver realized people were hurt, Jordan Miller News reports. He added that the investigation remains active and that no arrests have been made.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate and is reiterating its plea for tips or any dashcam or surveillance footage from Hudson Drive on the night of May 23, saying even brief clips could be key to tracking down the vehicle and its driver.
