GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — One person has died and two EMTs were hurt following an overnight crash, which authorities say involved an ambulance and a Jeep on state Route 528 at the intersection of Chardon-Windsor Road in Geauga County.
The ambulance was traveling southbound on Route 528 when a 1995 Jeep Wrangler “failed to yield at the stop sign” and struck the ambulance. The ambulance overturned and the Jeep caught fire, according to authorities.
Authorities say 47-year-old William Maley Jr. of Dorset, who died from injuries sustained in the crash, was being transported by the ambulance when the incident took place.
Two EMTs in the ambulance were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. According to South Central Ambulance District Chief Shaun Buehner, the driver of the ambulance was treated and released from University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Paramedic Jesse Sopko, who was tending to Maley, sustained multiple injuries and was airlifted to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for treatment.
On Wednesday, Buehner reported that Sopko remains sedated and in serious condition, but is "on the mend." He added that South Central Ambulance District is thankful for all of the support it has received since the crash.
The driver of the Jeep -- identified as 36-year-old Jason Slepsky of Chardon -- was also taken to the hospital. Authorities say his injuries are non-life threatening and he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.
“Alcohol and drugs are suspected to be a factor in the crash,” authorities note. “This crash remains under investigation.”
Court records show Slepsky now faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. His bond was set at $500,000 and is due to be back in court on October 6.
Troopers from the Chardon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene around 12:37 a.m. Tuesday.