Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on IR-71
Congress Township – Troopers are investigating a one vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 71 southbound near Mile Post 197 in Wayne County.
On Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 at approximately 0623 hours, a 2016 Nissan Versa was southbound on Interstate 71. The Nissan went off of the right side of the roadway and struck a light pole before coming to a final rest. The vehicle had two occupants inside when the crash occurred.
Jonathan Jackson, age 31 of Olean, New York was transported to Akron General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Eric Thomas Coleman, age 41 of Friendship, New York was pronounced deceased at the scene. Neither occupant was wearing their seat-belts.
The right lane of Interstate Route 71 southbound was closed for approximately 2 hours.
Other agencies assisting at the crash scene were: Town and Country Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
It appears alcohol & drugs were factors at the time of the crash. The crash is currently still under investigation.