Crime & Safety
Speed A Factor In Deadly Lakewood Car Crash: Police
Two teens were killed after their car was hit by a vehicle driving 80 mph down Clifton Boulevard, police said.
LAKEWOOD, OH — A car driving 80 mph caused the accident which killed two 19-year-olds in Lakewood, according to a police report.
Maximus Close, 19, Alejandro Mercado, 19, and a third passenger were in a car together at 2:30 a.m. They were heading northwest on Clifton. As they tried to turn at the Fry Avenue intersection, a car going southeast at 80 mph hit their vehicle.
The two 19-year-olds were killed in the crash, police records indicate. The third person in their car was seriously injured, police said.
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The driver of the other car was also hurt in the crash.
Close was an employee of Taco Tontos and the restaurant has launched a GoFundMe to help his family. The restaurant also announced it would be closed until Wednesday.
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A GoFundMe has also been launched to help Mercado's family.
"I will continue to work with my colleagues on council and our police department to improve traffic safety. The family of these victims are in my prayers," said Lakewood City Council President Dan O'Malley.
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