OHP: One dead in Montville Township crash

The Ohio Highway Patrol’s Chardon Post is investigating a May 10 crash in Montville Township that killed a Roaming Shores man.

The crash occurred around 7 a.m. on U.S. Route 6 at the intersection of Clay Street, according to an OHP news release. Troopers arrived on scene and located a 2006 Chevrolet Impala and a 2005 Ford F-150 in a field near the intersection.

Both vehicles had severe damage.

An investigation found that the Impala was traveling south on Clay Street and the F-150 was traveling west on U.S. 6. The Impala allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the F-150 on the passenger side.

Both vehicles continued off the southwest corner of the roadway, struck a utility pole and came to final rest in the field. During that time, the F-150 turned on its side.

The driver of the Impala was identified as Thomas Zirkle, 61, of Roaming Shores, according to the news release. Zirkle was pronounced dead at the scene. It was determined that he was not wearing an available safety belt at the time of the crash.

The 45-year-old driver of the F-150 was transported to University Hospital of Geauga for minor injuries, according to the release.

OHP was assisted by the Geauga County Sheriff Department, Thompson Fire and Rescue, Montville Fire and Rescue, Ohio Department of Transportation, and First Energy.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash, OHP stated in the news release.