A quiet Monday afternoon in Granger Township turned tragic after a single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Cleveland man, leaving family members grieving and investigators working to determine what went wrong. The deadly crash occurred along Ledge Road and drew a large emergency response from multiple agencies.
According to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 1:42 p.m. Ricardo H. Rivera, 57, of Cleveland, was driving a black 2008 Ford F-150 westbound on Ledge Road when his vehicle suddenly left the roadway. Troopers said the truck struck a guardrail before overturning down an embankment.
Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle heavily damaged. Despite their efforts, Rivera was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The sudden loss of life has left loved ones searching for answers and coping with the shock of an unexpected tragedy.
A passenger in the vehicle, Staci M. Schlegel, 42, also of Cleveland, was injured in the crash. She was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for treatment. Her current condition has not been released, and authorities have not provided details regarding the extent of her injuries.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist with rescue efforts, traffic control, and investigation. In addition to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, responders included the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Hinckley Police Department, Jon’s Towing, and fire departments from Bath, Granger, and Hinckley townships. Their coordinated response ensured the area was secured and that those involved received immediate care.
The crash remains under investigation, and troopers have not yet released information about possible contributing factors, such as speed, mechanical failure, or medical issues. As investigators work to determine the cause, the community is left mourning the loss of Ricardo H. Rivera. His death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on the road, even during routine afternoon travel.
