A Tuscarawas County man was killed and another driver critically injured early Wednesday morning in a crash involving an electric bicycle and two vehicles in Holmes County, authorities said.
The crash happened around 5:06 a.m. Wednesday on state Route 39 east of Township Road 420 in Walnut Creek Township, according to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said 30-year-old Jason L. Yoder of Sugarcreek was riding a Delsol electric bicycle westbound on the berm of Route 39. Authorities say Yoder attempted to make a left-hand turn into the driveway of Sharon Mennonite Church when his bicycle entered the path of a westbound 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
The bicycle collided with the passenger side of the Jeep, driven by 27-year-old Anthony S. Parson of Stone Creek. Parson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Investigators said Yoder was wearing a reflective vest and had an operable rear flashing light.
After the initial crash, Parson was able to stop the Jeep on the south berm of Route 39 facing eastbound. He then exited the vehicle to check on Yoder, who was lying in the eastbound lane.
Authorities said both men were then struck by an eastbound 2004 Honda Accord driven by 55-year-old Steven R. Erb of Millersburg. Erb was not injured.
Parson suffered serious injuries and was transported by Sugarcreek EMS to Akron General Hospital, where he remained in critical condition Wednesday.
Yoder was pronounced dead at the scene by Sugarcreek EMS and Holmes County Coroner Dr. Leon Miller.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash with assistance from Sugarcreek Fire and EMS and the Holmes County Coroner’s Office.
