Cade Gwynn; OSHP: 23-year-old motorcyclist dies in Erie County crash with car that failed to yield
BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a deadly crash in Erie County that claimed the life of a young motorcyclist over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that 23-year-old Cade Gwynn of Huron died in the collision, which happened Saturday night in Berlin Township.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:58 p.m. on August 31 along U.S. Route 6 near the intersection of State Route 61. According to OSHP, Gwynn was traveling westbound on a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle when he collided with a car turning into a driveway.
Troopers reported that the other vehicle involved was a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 23-year-old man from Elyria. The Malibu was headed eastbound on U.S. 6 and attempted to make a left turn into a private driveway. Investigators said the driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic, cutting across Gwynn’s path. The motorcycle struck the side of the car, and the force of the impact threw Gwynn from his bike.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Gwynn, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. His death has left his family and community mourning the sudden loss of a young man whose life ended tragically on the road.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Malibu was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was not injured in the crash, officials confirmed. Authorities also stated that alcohol and drugs are not believed to have been factors contributing to the accident.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office assisted troopers at the crash site, helping to manage traffic and secure the area while the investigation was underway. The roadway remained partially restricted for some time as crews documented the scene and removed the vehicles.
So far, no charges have been filed in connection with the incident. OSHP emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing as they work to determine whether citations or additional actions may be appropriate.
The crash highlights the risks motorcyclists face on the road, especially when drivers fail to yield. State officials regularly urge motorcyclists to wear helmets and protective gear, which can make a critical difference in survival during serious crashes. In Gwynn’s case, investigators noted that the lack of a helmet may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Local residents say the intersection where the crash happened has long been a busy and sometimes hazardous stretch of road. With both highway and local traffic converging, drivers must take extra care when attempting turns or crossing lanes.
For now, Gwynn’s family and friends are left grieving the loss of a 23-year-old who, by all accounts, had his future ahead of him. As OSHP continues its investigation, they are reminding all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and always yield appropriately to avoid tragedies like the one that occurred in Berlin Township.
The fatal crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change in a matter of seconds on the road.
