GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — An investigation is underway after a two-car crash in Geauga County claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy.
Ohio State Highway Patrol officials say the accident happened on Sunday at around 1:30 p.m. near Old State Road and Route 6 in Hambden Township.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a white SUV, driven by 39-year-old Ryan Looman, was traveling south on North State Avenue when it exited the roadway on the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected in an attempt to stay on the road when it went left of the center line, striking a black SUV, driven by 44-year-old Kristen Goecke, head on that was traveling north.
A 9-year-old child that was in the white SUV died as a result of the crash. Six other passengers in the same vehicle were also injured.
One person in the black SUV was injured as a result of the crash.
According to the Geauga County Sheriff's Office, six people were transported to the hospital following the crash.
For motorists in the area of the crash, Old State Road has been reopened. The road had been closed for several hours after the incident.
NEW DETAILS ANNOUNCED
Looman, who was identified as a driver in the crash, works as the Twinsburg High School Assistant Principal.
A GoFundMe has also been established for the family HERE.
The district superintendent issued the following statement to families on Monday:
Dear Tiger Family,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to inform you that Twinsburg High School Assistant Principal Mr. Ryan Looman, his life Liz, and their children were involved in an automobile accident on Sunday afternoon. Tragically, their nine-year-old son, Koby, has passed away.
As Mr. Looman is also our Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, many of our staff members and students know the Looman children as they often attend games. We have counselors available at Twinsburg High School today for anyone who may need assistance.
Please keep Mr. & Mrs. Looman along with their sons Eli, Weston, and Victory in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kathi Powers, Superintendent