Patrol investigates fatal traffic crash on Interstate Route 77

Akron - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a three vehicle fatal traffic crash which occurred earlier this morning. The crash occurred on Interstate Route 77 north at milepost 133 near the Ridgewood/Miller Road Exit.

At approximately 06:14 a.m., a 2018 Hyundai Elantra and a 2007 Nissan Altima were stopped in the left northbound lane of 77 from a previous traffic crash. A 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 rear-ended the Nissan which rear-ended the Hyundai.

The driver of the Hyundai; 40 year old Marshall Morrison of North Canton, Ohio was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

The driver of the Nissan; 38 year old Justin Pankow of Akron, Ohio was not wearing a seat belt and was transported to Akron General Hospital where he passed away.

The driver of the Dodge; 19 year old Kody Whitaker of Brimfield, Ohio was wearing a seat belt and was transported to Akron General Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol use is not suspected. The vehicles were towed by Gregs Towing.

This incident remains under investigation by the Patrols Akron Post.