Motorcyclist dies in crash Tuesday on Lewis Avenue in Bedford Township

David Panian, The Daily Telegram
·2 min read

BEDFORD TWP. — A motorcyclist died Tuesday following a collision in Bedford Township.

The crash on Lewis Avenue north of Smith Road was reported at 4:22 p.m. Tuesday, a news release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said. The preliminary investigation showed Nathaniel L. Vega, 20, of Toledo was driving a black 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle at a high rate of speed northbound in the right lane of travel of Lewis Avenue and approached a box truck from the rear. He then changed lanes into the left travel lane, overtaking the box truck and striking a gray 2013 Ford Explorer which had entered the road from a private drive on the east side of Lewis Avenue. The Ford Explorer was driven by Julie R. Hitzka, 47, of Toledo.

After impact, Hitzka’s SUV and Vegas’ motorcycle came to rest in the northbound, left travel lane. Vega fell from his motorcycle, coming to rest in the left southbound travel lane, the release said. At the time of the crash, Hitzka was wearing her safety belt, and Vega was wearing a safety helmet.

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Airbags did not deploy in the 2013 Ford Explorer.

Vega was transported to ProMedica Toledo Hospital where he was pronounced deceased, the release said. Hitzka was not injured and was released at the scene.

Excessive speed is a factor in the crash.

Personnel from the Bedford Township Fire Department and Monroe Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by Lt. Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Nicholas Burkhart and Cody Carena of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division. Anyone with information is asked to call 734-240-7557.

Anonymous tips can be called to Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP (800-773-2587) or can be submitted on their website, www.1800speakup.org.

— Contact reporter David Panian at dpanian@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @lenaweepanian.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Motorcyclist dies in crash Dec. 26 on Lewis Avenue in Bedford Township