Alvin J. Newman, Dies After Tragic Accident While Jaywalking in Jackson Township: 66-Year-Old Struck by Vehicle on Everhard Road NW; Investigation Underway
On the evening of Saturday, November 30, 2024, a tragic accident occurred in the Belden Village area of Jackson Township, Ohio, resulting in the death of 66-year-old Alvin J. Newman, a Canton resident. The accident unfolded at approximately 8:55 p.m. when Newman, while jaywalking across Everhard Road NW, was struck by a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer, driven by a 54-year-old man. Newman was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries early the following Tuesday morning, just hours after being admitted. The incident has left the local community in mourning as the investigation into the crash continues.
Incident Details:
According to Jackson Township Police Major Jim Monigold, the incident occurred as Newman was attempting to cross Everhard Road NW, a busy roadway that connects Whipple Avenue NW to other key routes in the area. At the time of the collision, Newman was crossing the street not at a designated crosswalk but instead in an area typically not meant for pedestrians to cross, a practice commonly referred to as jaywalking. As he made his way across, the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer, traveling eastbound on Everhard Road, struck him.
The driver, a 54-year-old man from the local area whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was behind the wheel of the SUV. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to do so in time. The circumstances surrounding the driver’s actions remain under investigation, including whether factors such as speed or visibility played a role in the accident.
Immediate Response and Medical Intervention:
Following the collision, emergency responders arrived on the scene promptly. Paramedics treated Newman at the location before transporting him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Newman succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning, approximately 48 hours after the accident.
The stark reality of this tragedy has prompted both law enforcement and local officials to reflect on the risks associated with pedestrian behavior on busy roads, especially when pedestrians choose to cross streets outside of designated crosswalks. The Jackson Township Police Department has made it clear that, while the investigation is ongoing, the collision raises concerns about pedestrian safety in areas that lack sufficient crosswalk infrastructure.
Investigation and Pending Charges:
At this time, the Jackson Township Police Department has not confirmed if charges will be filed against the driver of the Chevy Trailblazer. The investigation remains open, and authorities are awaiting further findings that could offer additional clarity about the circumstances of the incident. A key aspect of the investigation includes determining whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. Police have not indicated if the driver underwent a sobriety test following the incident.
In addition, the Jackson Township Police are calling on witnesses or anyone with information about the accident to come forward. “We urge anyone who may have seen the events leading up to or immediately following the collision to reach out to us. Every piece of information could be critical in helping us determine the full details of what transpired that evening,” said Monigold in a public statement.
Alvin J. Newman’s Legacy:
Alvin J. Newman, known to many in the Canton community as a quiet and kind individual, was a beloved figure in the area. A lifelong resident of Canton, Alvin was known for his close-knit relationships with family and friends. Those who knew him remember him fondly as a man of principle and integrity, someone who could always be relied upon for support, kindness, and laughter.
Newman, who spent much of his career working in various maintenance roles, had recently retired and was looking forward to spending more time with his loved ones. His family described him as a loving father, grandfather, and friend, who had always prioritized the well-being of others.
In the wake of his tragic death, Alvin’s family and friends have expressed an outpouring of grief, with many remembering his warm smile and unwavering generosity. “Alvin was a good man—always willing to lend a hand when someone was in need,” said one family member, who asked to remain anonymous. “He was a dedicated father, and we’re all just devastated by what happened.”
Local community leaders also reflected on Alvin’s impact, noting how he had been a part of many civic activities and volunteer projects. As friends and loved ones process their grief, plans are being made for a memorial service to honor his life and contributions to the community.
Pedestrian Safety and Jaywalking Concerns:
This tragic incident has also shone a spotlight on pedestrian safety in Jackson Township and the broader Canton area. With a growing number of pedestrian fatalities occurring across the country—many resulting from jaywalking—authorities have emphasized the importance of following pedestrian laws, using crosswalks, and adhering to traffic signals.
Jaywalking, defined as crossing a street outside of a marked crosswalk or against a traffic signal, is a significant issue in many urban and suburban areas. While many drivers take precautions to avoid accidents, the unpredictable actions of pedestrians who do not use crosswalks or wait for traffic signals can create hazardous situations for both the person crossing and the driver.
In the wake of this incident, Jackson Township authorities have pledged to further educate the public on the dangers of jaywalking. In a press release issued shortly after the accident, the Jackson Township Police Department reminded both drivers and pedestrians of the importance of exercising caution on the roads. “While pedestrians have the right to walk on the roads, they must also adhere to the rules of the road to avoid unnecessary tragedies,” said Major Monigold.
In particular, officials have pointed to the lack of sufficient crosswalks in some high-traffic areas like Everhard Road NW. While the township has invested in pedestrian safety improvements in recent years, including better signage and sidewalk enhancements, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of all road users.
Driver’s Responsibility and Accountability:
As the investigation into this fatal accident continues, questions have arisen regarding the driver’s responsibility. While the police have not yet suggested that any criminal activity played a role in the incident, there are concerns about accountability when it comes to pedestrian accidents. In some cases, drivers may be held liable for a pedestrian’s injuries or death even if the pedestrian was jaywalking, especially if the driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the investigation will likely depend on a variety of factors, including whether the driver was adhering to traffic laws and whether the road conditions, including visibility and lighting, were factors that contributed to the crash. Until these details are fully assessed, it remains uncertain whether charges will be filed against the driver or if this will be deemed a tragic accident with no criminal intent.
Community Response and Support:
As Jackson Township comes to grips with the death of Alvin J. Newman, local residents have rallied around his family, offering support in this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign was set up by friends and family to help cover funeral expenses, and many local businesses have pledged to donate a portion of their earnings to the Newman family in the coming weeks.
Additionally, several community members have expressed the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in Jackson Township, calling on local government officials to consider further investment in crosswalks, street lighting, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen, and we need to do more to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said a neighbor of the Newman family.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation:
The tragic death of Alvin J. Newman serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that pedestrians face, especially when choosing to cross busy streets in areas not meant for walking. Though jaywalking is often seen as a minor infraction, it can have devastating consequences, as evidenced by this incident.
As the Jackson Township Police Department continues its investigation, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. For now, the community continues to mourn the loss of a man whose life was cut short by a senseless accident, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from this heartbreaking event. The hope is that through increased awareness, education, and infrastructure improvements, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
The memory of Alvin J. Newman, whose life was tragically taken on that fateful Saturday evening, will not soon be forgotten. As his family and friends prepare for his final farewell, they find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to others—qualities that will live on in their hearts and in the community he leaves behind.
Call for Community Action:
As the investigation continues, Jackson Township officials have called for public cooperation and community involvement in promoting safer pedestrian practices. “We need to work together as a community to ensure that pedestrians are safe, and that drivers are taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents like this from happening again,” Major Monigold added. In the coming weeks, public meetings will be held to discuss further steps that can be taken to improve pedestrian safety across the township, with a focus on raising awareness about the importance of both following traffic laws and ensuring safer crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
