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Youngstown woman dies in four-car crash in Chippewa Township

CHIPPEWA TWP.  A Youngstown woman died in a four-vehicle crash Tuesday in Wayne County.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash that occurred at 4:01 p.m. on state Route 585 north of state Route 94 in Chippewa Township.

The crash involved a blue 2001 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Karlene D. Rantamaki 34, of Youngstown, according to a news release. The second vehicle was a silver 2015 Honda Pilot driven by Terry A. Barnes of Akron. The third vehicle involved was a blue 2017 Subaru Legacy driven by Adam J. Graham, 38, of Akron. The final vehicle was a blue 2016 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Michael R. Zimmerman, 34, of Cross Junction, Virginia.

An initial investigation revealed Rantamaki was southbound on state Route 585. Barnes, Graham, and
Zimmerman were northbound on state Route 585. Rantamaki drove left of center, sideswiping Barnes’ and Graham’s vehicles. After impact with Graham’s vehicle, Rantamaki’s vehicle slid sideways across the
centerline and was struck in the right side by Zimmerman’s vehicle.

Rantamaki was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Zimmerman and his front seat passenger, Abigail E. Zimmerman were transported by Chippewa Township Fire Department to Akron General Hospital. Their son was transported by Rittman Fire Department to Akron Children’s Hospital.

Barnes and Graham were not injured in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.

At this time, alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. All drivers and passengers were belted at the time of the incident. The crash remains under investigation.

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