Bethlehem Twp., OH (May 28, 2026) – Three people were injured Saturday night, May 23, after a hit-skip vehicle struck a downed tree on Hudson Drive in Bethlehem Township.
The crash was reported at about 10:37 p.m. on Hudson Drive, east of Beth Avenue. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Dustin Sweet, 21, of Canton, had stopped near a downed tree. A second vehicle, occupied by Gregory Cutcher, 79, and Janet Ellis, 69, both of Navarre, also stopped.
While Sweet, Cutcher, and Ellis were standing in the roadway near the tree, an unknown vehicle traveling east struck the tree and continued from the area. The impact pushed the tree into all three pedestrians, knocking them to the ground.
Sweet suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Cutcher sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton. Ellis was seriously injured and transported to Aultman Hospital in Canton.
Authorities said the vehicle involved may be a small, light-colored four-door sedan, possibly white, silver, or gray.
The crash remains under investigation. We hope all three injured people receive the care and support needed during recovery.
Why Hit-Skip Crashes Can Be Difficult to Investigate
Hit-skip crashes can be difficult because the vehicle and driver are not at the scene when investigators arrive. Officers may need to rely on witness statements, debris, vehicle parts, nearby cameras, and roadway evidence to identify the vehicle involved.
Crashes involving a downed tree can also create unusual hazards. People who stop to help or check the road may be exposed to passing traffic, especially at night. Investigators may review lighting, visibility, vehicle direction, road conditions, and the position of the tree before impact. Medical teams may check victims for head, chest, back, hip, leg, and internal injuries after being knocked down or struck by debris.
