CONGRESS TOWNSHIP – A New York man was killed after a single-vehicle accident Wednesday morning on Interstate 71 in Wayne County, according to the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Eric Thomas Coleman, 41, of Friendship, New York was pronounced deceased at the scene, the Patrol reported. Jonathan Jackson, 31, of Olean, New York was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. He transported to Akron General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Neither occupant was wearing their seat-belts, authorities stated.
According to the Trooper’s report, the crash took place on Interstate 71 southbound near Mile Post 197 in Congress Township.
At approximately 6:23 a.m., a 2016 Nissan Versa was southbound on Interstate 71. The Nissan went off of the right side of the road and struck a light pole before coming to a final rest. The vehicle had two occupants inside when the crash occurred.
Authorities say it appears alcohol and drugs were factors at the time of the crash. The incident is still under investigation.
The right lane of Interstate Route 71 southbound was closed for approximately two hours.
Other agencies assisting at the crash scene were: Town and Country Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
