LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — Two people are dead after they were struck on the side of the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County late Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred near the 132 milepost in Henrietta Township just before 11:30 p.m.
Eric Ackerman, 44, of Sandusky, was driving a wrecker from Interstate Towing of Norwalk and stopped to assist a disabled vehicle on the right shoulder of the Turnpike. Ackerman and the driver of the disabled vehicle were loading two Sea-Doo jet skis from the trailer of the vehicle onto the wrecker when they were struck by a pick-up truck that ran off the road.
The pick-up also struck the wrecker and trailer, sending the truck airborne before landing on its top in the right lane.
Ackerman was wearing a reflective vest at the time of the crash and the wrecker had its emergency lights activated.
Both Ackerman and the driver of the disabled vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver will not be identified until next of kin notification has been made.
The driver of the pick-up truck, identified as Zachary Santoro, 30, of Bellevue, suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by ground ambulance.
At this time, it is unclear if impairment was a factor.
This investigation is ongoing. We will continue to keep you updated.
