Joseph Novacich dies in fatal Youngstown car crash
Fatal Youngstown car crash death of Joseph Novacich
Emergency responders, including investigators from the police department and the county medical examiner, arrived at the scene of an accident involving a pedestrian. The event took place on Youngstown’s South Side, specifically on Loveland Road near Pointview Avenue.
Initial reports from dispatchers suggested that someone might have been trapped after the incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Monday. However, when firefighters arrived, it was clear that no one was confined, and preliminary observations indicated that a person had been struck by a vehicle. A television news team observed a covered body in a nearby yard, and police confirmed the tragic outcome.
The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Joseph Novacich, who was 53 years old. An autopsy was scheduled and conducted at a medical examiner’s office in Cuyahoga County.
A witness named TJ Elmo shared his perspective on the circumstances surrounding the death. He expressed sympathy for the victim, who was simply walking and enjoying the day.
Security footage from a nearby business recorded the incident. The man was seen walking in the road and attempting to move out of the way as an SUV approached. The vehicle’s speed resulted in the pedestrian being thrown several feet, and the car stopped two houses away. According to witnesses, the driver backed out of the scene and then fled.
Security cameras showed the man jumping out of the path as the SUV approached, but he was still hit.
The road was closed off for investigation purposes, with police tape securing the area.
According to officials, a person has been arrested in relation to this incident, which occurred approximately one mile from the scene. Residents in the neighborhood mentioned that this is a known dangerous intersection due to its curve, despite existing warning lights.
A witness commented on the potential risk to children playing near the corner, noting that the situation could have been far more severe.
No details regarding possible charges against the suspect have been released by law enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing, with both the Youngstown Police Department and the Mahoning County Coroner’s Office involved in the case.
