Pedestrian struck and killed by semi on I-77 in Tuscarawas County

Share:

The New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred on Sunday morning when a pedestrian was struck by a commercial vehicle on Interstate 77.

The collision took place at approximately 10:02 a.m. at milepost 92 in Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County. Richard Benner, 62, of Alliance, was driving a 2021 Volvo commercial vehicle southbound on the interstate when Jonathan Mandala, 34, of Akron, reportedly entered the roadway in front of him.

Mandala was quickly transported from the scene by Bolivar EMS to Mercy Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Benner was not injured in the incident and has not been cited, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Emergency responders, including Bolivar EMS, Bolivar Fire Department, Bolivar Police Department, and the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, assisted at the scene.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.