ELYRIA — Police have released the name of a the second driver involved in a fatal accident yesterday on West River Road in Elyria.
Emelio Hernandez Perez, 23, of Elyria, was driving a red Jeep Grand Cherokee that rear-ended a tan Buick LeSabre at the intersection of state Route 57 and West River Road, killing a 65-year-old Grafton man.
Neil F. Jalowiec died of internal chest and abdominal injuries, Lorain County Coroner Dr. Paul Matus said. Perez was taken to EMH Regional Medical Center and later LifeFlighted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he was treated and released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
The accident occurred around 3:27 p.m., according to Elyria police Lt. Andy Eichenlaub. Perez and Jalowiec were each the only people in their vehicles.
Police said that Jalowiec’s tan Buick LeSabre was heading southbound on West River Road and slowed for the traffic light at Route 57, entering the second left turn lane to head south on 57 before being hit from behind by a red Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Both cars were propelled through the intersection, coming to rest at the southeast corner of the intersection.
Air bags deployed in the Jeep, but not in the Buick, police said. The back license plate of the Buick could be seen pushed up against the back of the front seat after the cars were separated.
Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
Contact Melissa Hebert at 329-7129 or mhebert@chroniclet.com.
Click on any photo to view larger:
Photo by Chronicle-Telegram Photo Chief Bruce Bishop.
