The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a motorcycle crash that left a Massillon man dead and two other local residents seriously injured.
Michael L. Wirth, 51, was riding a 2001 Harley Davidson eastbound on State Route 39 east of Township Road 219 before 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Wirth was attempting to pass another motorcycle when his leg struck a guardrail, causing him to lose control. He was ejected from the motorcycle and into the path of another motorcycle.
The other motorcycle, operated by Case I. Matie, 58, of New Philadelphia, struck Wirth who was in the middle of the road. Matie lost control of the motorcycle, tossing him and his passenger, Kimberly A. Naugle, 55, of Canton, from the motorcycle.
Wirth was pronounced dead at the scene by the West Holmes Fire District Lakeville Station.
Matie and Naugle were both transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.