Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigating a Fatal Crash Involving a Vehicle versus Pedestrian

• May 22, 2023


Berlin Township – The Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a vehicle vs. pedestrian fatal crash that occurred Sunday May 21, 2023 at 9:34 PM on SR 61 near Driver Road in the Township of Berlin, Erie County.

Unit #1: Kayla Klenk, age 23, of Huron, Ohio, was operating a black 2021 Toyota Corolla, and was northbound on SR 61 south of Driver Rd. Ms. Klenk struck a pedestrian that was in the northbound lane of SR 61. Ms. Klenk did not sustain any injuries. Ms. Klenk was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash.

Pedestrian: William Hildenbrand, age 80, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, was walking across SR 61 and was struck by Unit #1. Mr. Hildenbrand sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not considered a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. Both lanes of SR 61 were closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Township Fire and Rescue, North Central EMS, MetroHealth-Metro Life Flight and Wilson’s Towing.

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