Local News
18-Year-Old Ridge Reichman Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Tuscarawas County
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — An 18-year-old man from the New Philadelphia area was killed Sunday evening following a two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Tuscarawas County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as Ridge Reichman, 18, who died after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a pickup truck in Lawrence Township.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 7:53 p.m. on June 28 at the intersection of North Orchard Road and Northwood Avenue.
The preliminary investigation determined that Reichman was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima northbound on Northwood Avenue when he failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign.
As the Nissan entered the intersection, it was struck on the driver’s side by an eastbound 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Skylar Nelson, 27, of Bolivar.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the Nissan.
Investigators said Reichman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle during the collision.
Emergency responders transported him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Nelson and a passenger riding in the Ram pickup were not injured.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor in the crash. However, investigators have not released additional details, and the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Authorities have not indicated whether any charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Several emergency agencies assisted at the scene, including:
Bolivar Fire/EMS
Dover EMS
Strasburg EMS
Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office
Keith’s Towing
First responders worked to provide medical assistance, secure the crash scene, and assist investigators.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash and is working to determine all factors that contributed to the collision.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.