A tragic two-vehicle crash in Stark County has claimed the life of a 28-year-old man, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The deadly collision happened Thursday afternoon along US 250 in Sugarcreek Township and remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the violent impact.
Troopers said they were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:43 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious crash on US 250. Preliminary findings show that a 2002 silver Toyota RAV4 was traveling northwest on the highway, while a 2024 black GMC Sierra was heading southeast on the same stretch of road. For reasons that have not yet been determined, the Toyota reportedly veered left of center and crossed into oncoming traffic.
The Toyota then struck the GMC head-on, causing catastrophic damage to both vehicles. According to investigators, three of the four people inside the Toyota were ejected during the crash. The force of the collision was so severe that emergency crews had to extricate the right-front passenger from the wreckage before he could be transported for medical care.
Emergency medical services rushed all occupants from the Toyota to local hospitals, including Mercy Hospital and Aultman Hospital. Authorities later confirmed that Gaspar Cedillo Lopez, 28, of New Philadelphia, who was the front right passenger in the Toyota, was pronounced dead at Aultman Hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Troopers stated that seat belts were not used by the occupants of the Toyota at the time of the accident. The driver of the GMC Sierra suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment. Officials initially said they were unable to identify the driver of the Toyota as the investigation continued.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to examine evidence, speak with witnesses, and reconstruct the scene to better understand what caused the Toyota to cross the center line. The tragic loss of Cedillo Lopez has left family and friends grieving, while authorities remind drivers of the importance of seat belt use and safe driving practices on Ohio roadways.
