NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — A 66-year-old man is dead and a woman is in serious condition after their motorcycle was struck by a truck in Summit County on Tuesday.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the incident happened in on State Route 93 near Swigart Road in New Franklin at approximately 12:24 p.m. Troopers say a Chevrolet Silverado going southbound on SR 93 went left of center to avoid hitting another Silverado that was slowing down for traffic in front of it.
As the Silverado went left of center, it struck a 2010 Harley Davidson that was going north on SR 93, then sideswiped the truck in front of it. The occupants of the motorcycle, 66-year-old Joseph Kostka and 66-year-old Kathleen Kostka of East Canton, were thrown from the bike and sustained serious injuries.
Joseph Kostka was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General and later died from the injuries he received in the crash. Kathleen Kostka is hospitalized in serious condition. Both were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck that was sideswiped was taken to Barberton Summa Hospital for minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Silverado that struck the motorcycle and sideswiped the pickup truck was not injured during the crash. Troopers add that he was not wearing a seat belt.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.