A local man died Tuesday after being involved in a head-on collision while riding his motorcycle in New Franklin along State Route 93, south of Swigart Road.
According to the Ohio state highway patrol, Chevy Silverado pick-up truck went left of center to avoid rear-ending another Chevy Silverado that was slowing down for traffic ahead.
When the vehicle traveled across the center line, the driver struck a Harley Davidson motorcycle heading north on SR 93.
Joseph Kostka, 66, of East Canton was the operator of the motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he died. His passenger, Kathleen Kostka, was also thrown from the motorcycle. She was transported to the hospital in serious condition.
Troopers say that both motorcyclists were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors of the crash, which remains under investigation.