Deadly crash on I-77; semi hits 2 cars, 3 people

Talia Naquin
·2 min read
2

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (WJW) – Crash investigators were on the scene of a deadly crash on I-77 Independence where two people were killed early Friday.

Around 12:30 a.m., Independence police responded to an accident on I-77 South near Chestnut Road bridge.

New Ohio bill would allow recreational marijuana to be banned locally

According to the initial investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a Ford hatchback was headed south on I-77 when it went off the left side of the road, hit the median wall and became disabled in the far-right lane.

OSHP says a Chevrolet hatchback was parked in front of the Ford for an unknown reason in the far-right lane.

Investigators say two people in the Chevrolet and the man in the Ford all exited their vehicles.

A freightliner headed southbound in the far-right lane struck the Ford and the Chevrolet.

All three people who had gotten out of the cars were struck.

The impact flipped the semi onto its side.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner, one victim has been identified as 29-year-old Johnny Brooks, of Wadsworth.

The second victim was identified as 32-year-old Gertrude Stutler, of Rittman. Both were in the Chevrolet.

Independence police say the driver of the Ford was critically injured in the crash and was hospitalized.

Recreational marijuana becomes legal next week — what to know

The driver of the semi was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, police say.

I-77 was closed at I-480 for several hours.

The crash scene was expected to be cleared by noon Friday.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.

They’re asking that any witnesses to give them a call at (216) 265-1677.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.