Two vehicle accident claims life of Smithville man

A two vehicle accident in Chippewa Township Monday evening claimed the life of a Smithville man. According to the Highway Patrol, the accident occurred on State Route 585 north of Steiner Road just before 5:30 p.m. when a minivan was struck from behind by a pickup truck, causing both vehicles off the side of the road and into several trees. The driver of the minivan was identified as 56 year-old Richard Szafran of Smithville, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was identified as 76 year-old John Berkey of Creston. Berkey and a passenger in the truck were taken to Akron General Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Troopers don’t believe alcohol to be a factor in the crash.