The State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal incident on I-77 south.
The accident occurred near Bolivar Sunday morning involving a pedestrian who was struck and killed.
New Philadelphia post Trooper Roy Beach says the victim, 34-year-old Jonathan Mandala of Akron, apparently walked onto the highway from the right side of the lanes and was hit by a flatbed truck just before 10 a.m.
“The witness stated that there was a man standing on the side of the road. The witness was a few vehicles back. He saw the man walk from the side of the road into oncoming traffic. The straight truck attempted to swerve to miss the pedestrian but was unable to.”
Beach says Mr. Mandala was taken to a Canton hospital, where he passed away from his injuries. He says they later learned the victim had been camping nearby at Fort Laurens, where some personable belongings were found.
“He apparently was traveling by bicycle. His bicycle was there along with the personable items.”
Beach says it’s unclear why Mr. Mandala had been trying to cross 77; but the post could learn more once the coroner’s report is complete.
The driver of the truck, an Alliance man, was not injured or cited.
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