35-Year-Old Killed In Car Accident On I-71

BROOK PARK, OH — A 35-year-old man is dead after a car accident on I-71 north on Saturday morning. Alcohol may have played a part in the crash, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

At 3 a.m. the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to a single-car crash on I-71 north, near milepost 238 and the I-480 interchange. Investigators found a crashed 1997 Chevrolet Blazer at the scene.

The 35-year-old may have lost control of his SUV while following a curve. He then collided with a guardrail. The Blazer overturned and slid down an embankment. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by Cleveland EMS.

The Highway Patrol said the driver has been identified as Ronald Metheney, 35, from Cleveland. He was the only person inside the SUV. Investigators said he was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol may have played a part in the accident.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was aided in their investigation by Cleveland police, fire and EMS, along with Brook Park police and fire. I-71 north was briefly closed on Saturday morning while law enforcement investigated the crash and then cleaned up the scene. The highway has since reopened.

This is the 40th fatal car accident in Cuyahoga County in 2020, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.