The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
22-year-old man dies in morning crash
Minivan overturns on U.S. 6
A 22-year-old man died when the van he was driving went out of control on West Erie Avenue in Lorain early June 10, according to Lorain police.
James Updegrove of Lorain was pronounced dead at the scene near 4850 W. Erie Ave., according to Lorain police. West Erie Avenue also is U.S. 6 in Lorain.
About 7:16 a.m., the Lorain police Traffic Bureau was called to the scene of the crash, according to a police report.
The police investigation determined a blue 2005 Chrysler Town & Country minivan was traveling westbound on West Erie Avenue. After passing the intersection with Frankie Drive, the driver lost control and traveled off the right side of the road, the report said.
After traveling off the
roadway, the van went airborne and began rolling, according to police. The minivan completed several rotations during the crash and during the final rotation, the driver was ejected from the vehicle, according to police.
The Chrysler came to rest in the grass field near 4850 W. Erie Ave., where it landed on top of the driver, the report said.
The driver was identified as Updegrove and his remains were turned over to the Lorain County Coroner’s Office.
Lorain police reported Updegrove was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and he was not wearing a seatbelt. Excessive speed also was a factor in the crash, according to police.
The road in the area was closed for about three hours while police investigated and collected evidence. The Lorain Fire Department, Lorain Police Department Auxiliary, LifeCare Ambulance and Ernie’s Towing Service assisted at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Lorain police Traffic Bureau’s Accident Reconstruction Team.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kyle Gelenius at the Lorain Police Department Traffic Bureau at 440-2042115.