Driver killed in turnpike crash ID’s by OHP

The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has released the name of the man who died in the two-vehicle crash near the westbound exit ramp from the Ohio Turnpike to Baumhart Road.

Jeffery J. Felder, 50, of Cordova, S.C., was driving west in a 2015 International semi-tractor, pulling a box trailer, that veered off the right side of the road, traveled through a grass gore, hit an embankment for the exit/entrance ramp lanes, vaulted over the lanes, struck a minivan and came to rest in a ditch off the side of the roadway, according to a news release from the Highway Patrol.

The commercial vehicle then caught fire with Felder trapped inside.

Felder died from injuries suffered in the crash, the release said.

His safety belt use at the time of the crash is unknown.

The 2016 Chrysler Town and Country was driven by a 40-year-old man from Olmsted Falls who did not receive any apparent injuries.

There were three passengers in the minivan; a 45-year-old woman from Olmsted Falls who was transported to Mercy Health - Lorain Hospital with serious injuries and two juvenile passengers who were not injured, the release said.

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, Maintenance Department, Ohio EPA, South Amherst Fire, Life Care EMS and Interstate Towing assisted.

All occupants of the minivan were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation. At this time, it does not appear that alcohol, drugs or speed were factors in the crash.