Patrol: Minerva man suspected to be impaired in crash that left two dead in Portage County

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ravenna Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that claimed two lives in Portage County on Monday, October 14.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:44 a.m. on State Route 44 near milepost 28. According to the preliminary investigation, a southbound 2009 Lincoln MKS, driven by Matthew C. Simms, 42, of Minerva, Ohio, crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The Equinox was driven by David G. Moore Sr., 80, of Rootstown, Ohio, with passenger Garnett W. McGlothlin, 80, of Atwater, Ohio.

The impact forced the Equinox off the right side of the road and into a ditch. Moore and McGlothlin both succumbed to their injuries. McGlothlin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Moore died enroute to the hospital.

Simms sustained minor injuries in the crash. Investigators believe drugs may have been a contributing factor.

State Route 44 was closed for several hours while authorities conducted their investigation. The highway has since reopened.

Assisting at the scene were the Rootstown Fire Department and EMS, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the Portage County Coroner’s Office, the Portage County Prosecutor’s Office, and Kale’s Towing.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.