The Canton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has initiated an investigation into a severe collision involving two motorcycles that resulted in life-threatening injuries.
The incident took place on the evening of May 28, at approximately 8:45 PM, on US Route 62 near milepost 7, in Sugar Creek Township, Stark County, Ohio.
According to authorities, the crash involved Dillon Montanez, 30, of Brewster, who was operating a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle heading eastbound on US Route 62. Accompanying him as a passenger was Brittney N. Montanez, 27, also from Brewster.
James E. Baltzly, 55, of Brewster, was operating a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound on the same route.
It was reported that Mr. Baltzly traveled left of the center line, colliding with Mr. and Mrs. Montanez. Both motorcycles overturned, causing the occupants to be ejected from their bikes.
As a result of the crash, Mr. Montanez sustained severe injuries and was immediately transported from the scene to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital by Brewster EMS. Due to the gravity of his condition, he was later transferred via Life Flight to Akron General Hospital. He suffered the loss of a leg as a result of the accident, according to troopers.
Mrs. Montanez sustained minor injuries during the collision and was promptly taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital by Brewster EMS for medical evaluation and treatment.
Mr. Baltzly suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash and was transported by Brewster EMS to Aultman Hospital. Although his condition is considered critical, officials say he is in stable condition.
It was discovered that the occupants of the motorcycles involved were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
Authorities suspect that alcohol played a role in the incident.
Assisting the Ohio State Highway Patrol at the accident site were multiple emergency response agencies, including the Erie Valley Fire Department, Brewster Fire Department and EMS, the Brewster Police Department, the Navarre Police Department, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Reed’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.