Ohio Highway Patrol has charged 87-year-old Elspeth A. McKeag with vehicular manslaughter for causing a fatal motorcycle-SUV crash March 8 at Route 82 and Addison Road in Masury.
McKeag, of Hermitage, is set to be arraigned April 7 in Trumbull County Eastern District Court.
Motorcycle driver David A. Rice, 62, of Sharpsville, was killed and his passenger, Angeleena M. Medovich, 18, of the same address, was critically hurt, police said. Medovich, who was taken to a hospital by Brookfield Fire-EMS, suffered a fractured pelvis and multiple leg fractures, police said. Neither rider was wearing a helmet, police said.
McKeag was taken to a hospital by Hubbard Fire-EMS, police said. She suffered a fractured sternum and internal injuries, police said, noting that she was wearing a seat belt.
The bike was westbound on Route 82 when McKeag turned from the eastbound lane toward Addison and the bike ran into the SUV, police said.
“She (McKeag) was asked how long she checked for traffic and she said that it was clear as far as she could see the road,” police said. “She stated she did not see the motorcycle.”
Police interviewed six people who saw all or parts of the crash. The motorcycle likely was traveling faster than the posted 60 mph speed limit, witnesses said.
Vehicular manslaughter is a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
Brookfield police were the first on the scene. The Trumbull County Coroner’s Office, Hubbard Township police and Burghill Vernon Fire Department also responded.
