MEDINA COUNTY, OH – A profound sense of sorrow envelops Medina County following a devastating incident in the early hours of Sunday, July 20, 2025, on Interstate 71. A 27-year-old Canton resident, Daniel L. Westrich, was fatally struck by an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) cruiser, leaving the community reeling and prompting renewed discussions about pedestrian safety on high-speed roadways.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on the northbound lanes of I-71, between State Route 83 and the Interstate 76 interchange in Westfield Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers were dispatched at approximately 4:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian walking in the roadway near milepost 204. Moments later, a marked OSHP cruiser, traveling northbound near milepost 206, struck Westrich. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, Westrich was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and community.
No other injuries were reported, and the trooper involved was unharmed physically, though such incidents often carry a significant emotional toll for those involved. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to Westrich’s presence on the interstate and the events culminating in the tragic collision. Authorities have not yet released details about whether the patrol vehicle’s lights or sirens were activated or what specific actions Westrich may have been taking at the time of the incident.
The stretch of I-71 northbound between State Route 83 and the Interstate 76 interchange was temporarily closed to allow investigators to collect evidence, including potential dash camera footage, vehicle data, and witness statements. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has urged motorists to avoid this area during the investigation to ensure safety and facilitate the process.
This heartbreaking event underscores the dangers pedestrians face on highways not designed for foot traffic. Questions linger about why Westrich was on I-71, a heavily trafficked interstate, during the pre-dawn hours. Investigators are working to piece together his movements and the factors contributing to the tragedy, hoping to provide answers to a grieving family and a shaken community.
Daniel L. Westrich, remembered by friends as a kind and humble soul, leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion. Social media posts have poured in, with loved ones recalling his infectious smile and genuine kindness that touched many lives. “Daniel was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and valued,” one friend shared. Another expressed disbelief, writing, “He had so much life left to live—gone too soon.”
As Westrich’s family prepares to lay him to rest, the Medina County community is rallying to offer support and condolences. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has committed to transparency in its investigation, with updates expected as more details emerge. The Medina County Coroner’s Office is also assisting to ensure a comprehensive examination of the incident.
This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for heightened awareness and infrastructure improvements to prevent pedestrian fatalities on highways. As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn a young man whose life was cut short and to reflect on the broader implications for roadway safety.
Rest in peace, Daniel L. Westrich. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
