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Plymouth Township –The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a commercial motor vehicle and a pedestrian on State Route 598, near Preston Road, in Plymouth Township, Richland County. The crash happened on January 28th, at approximately 1:04 PM.
Eric Webster, age 51, of Columbus, Ohio, was driving a 2016 Volvo commercial tractor and trailer southbound on SR 598. A pedestrian, Jeffrey Gundrum, age 46, of Avon Lake, Ohio, entered the roadway from the west, into the path of the Volvo Semi. In an effort to avoid Mr. Gundrum, Mr. Webster crossed over the centerline, into the northbound lane of travel. Despite his efforts, Mr. Webster ultimately struck Mr. Gundrum in the roadway. Mr. Gundrum succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Webster sustained no injuries.
Plymouth Police, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth Fire & EMS, and the Richland County Coroner’s Office assisted with the scene. The Ohio Department of Transportation assisted in closing the roadway and re-routing traffic during the course of the on-scene investigation.
The crash remains under investigation.