Two local communities are mourning the loss of residents following a pair of fatal accidents in Osnaburg Township Thursday evening.
The first accident occurred on State Route 44 near Milepost six at 4:42 pm.
Christopher A. Metzger, 54, of Paris, Ohio was operating a purple 2000 Honda Goldwing Trike northbound on State Route 44 when investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said he went left of center while negotiating a curve.
Metzger crashed head-on into a Ford Explorer driven by Justine McDonald, 53, Malvern.
Metzger was transported to Aultman Hospital by Osnaburg Township EMS where was pronounced dead. McDonald suffered no injuries in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to another accident just over an hour later in Osnaburg Township on US 30 at 6 p.m.
The crash involved three vehicles near Milepost 6 on US 30.
Thomas K. Miller, 68, of Minerva, Ohio was operating a red 1999 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck eastbound on US 30.
Kenneth D. Wolfe, age 25, of Massillon, Ohio was driving a black 2021 Dodge Charger westbound on US 30 with Bella Baroni, 22, of Mogadore in the passenger seat.
Wolfe traveled left of center, attempting to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone when he struck Miller’s pickup truck head on, according to OSHP.
Miller was pronounced dead on the scene by the Stark County Coroner’s office. Wolfe and Baroni were both transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.
Another vehicle behind Miller’s truck sustained minor damage. The driver was not injured.
Osnaburg Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Canton Towing were on scene to assist.
The crash remains under investigation.