Local News
44-year-old Ronald Pappa killed in two vehicle crash in Salt Creek Township
Authorities in Holmes County, Ohio, are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning, April 22, 2026, in Salt Creek Township.
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the collision took place at approximately 4:44 a.m. along State Route 241, just south of County Road 235.
Investigators reported that 44-year-old Ronald E. Pappa of Killbuck was operating a 2000 Ford Excursion northbound when he attempted to pass a tour bus in a clearly marked no-passing zone on a hillcrest.
As Pappa re-entered his lane of travel, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, crossed left of center, and collided with a southbound 2007 Ram pickup truck.
The pickup was driven by 30-year-old Kevin A. Nussbaum of Apple Creek.
Following the impact, both vehicles came to rest in a yard along the northwest side of the roadway.
Authorities confirmed that both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Nussbaum was not injured.
Pappa sustained critical injuries and was transported by East Holmes EMS to Pomerene Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased by emergency room personnel.
The roadway remained closed for approximately two hours while deputies conducted an on-scene investigation.
Additional assistance was provided by East Holmes Fire and EMS and the Stark County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.