Canton police have identified the two people killed in a violent two-vehicle crash Sunday evening on Navarre Road SW that also sent two others, including a child, to the hospital.
Bennie L. Woodson, 42, of Massillon, and Kiersten E. Narad, 34, of Midland, Pennsylvania, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Monday news release from Canton Police Chief John Gabbard.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:24 p.m. Sept. 20 in the 2200 block of Navarre Road SW.
According to a preliminary investigation, Woodson was driving a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas westbound on Navarre Road when he crossed the center line and struck a 2026 Subaru Outback driven by Narad.
Police said Narad was exiting a parking lot at 2226 Navarre Road SW and attempting to travel eastbound when the collision occurred.
Video obtained by Jordan Miller News provides a look at the moments leading up to the deadly crash.
The footage shows Woodson’s white Volkswagen traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, passing another vehicle and entering the lane of oncoming traffic.
Narad’s Subaru appears to be pulling out of the parking lot as the Volkswagen approaches. The footage suggests Narad had little time to react before the collision, although investigators have not determined the vehicles’ speeds or whether either driver had an opportunity to avoid the crash.
Jordan Miller News has chosen not to show the moment of impact out of respect for the victims and their families.
Witnesses previously told Jordan Miller News that the collision was so loud they initially believed an explosion had occurred.
One witness estimated that the Volkswagen may have been traveling well over 100 mph. That estimate has not been independently verified, and police have not released an official speed determination.
The impact caused Woodson’s Volkswagen to overturn, ejecting him from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Narad also was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Subaru was carrying two additional occupants, a 12-year-old girl and a 36-year-old man. The Canton Fire Department initially reported that both were transported to Aultman Hospital with serious injuries.
In Monday’s update, Canton police described their injuries as non-life-threatening.
The Canton Metro Crash Team responded to the scene and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Police said it remains unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department Traffic Bureau at 330-438-4485. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411.
Jordan Miller News will continue to update this article as additional information becomes available.
