Recordpub.com - Randolph man killed in motorcycle crash Township resident tried to avoid collision at U.S. 224, Hartville Road

By Don Jovich
Record-Courier staff writer
RANDOLPH " A 31-year-old Randolph man died Monday as a result of a motorcycle accident at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Hartville Road in the township.
The Summit County Medical Examiner is investigating the death of Albert Horning Road resident Richard J. Mitchen Jr., who died from his injuries around 10:50 a.m. Monday at Akron City Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
Mitchen was traveling westbound on U.S. 224 when he laid his motorcycle down attempting to avoid a collision with a vehicle traveling northbound on Hartville Road, according to a report by the Ravenna Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.
His motorcycle reportedly struck a van driven by 50-year-old James L. Ray of Randolph, who was not injured in the crash.
Mitchen was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and the highway patrol says alcohol was not a factor.
The accident, which occurred at 6:05 a.m. Monday, remains under investigation by the Ravenna Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

Posted by GotchaThinkin' April 9, 2008

First off, my thoughts go out to both families. I did not attend school in the same class as Rich, however I knew a lot of people who did and remember seeing him in the halls. May God give peace to your souls at this time.

Umm, I may be missing the point here, but I think that taking away from the sad loss of this story to say "hey idiots, why don't you pay more attention" is a little rude. I may be wrong, but I am sure whomever posted this comment is not a perfect driver, show some class and give a sympathy message to the families.

As for that intersection, I drive it all the time as well, and the stop signs can be misleading...they do sneak up on you and I feel that it would be better to have a blinking light there warning people--except for the perfect driver who posted their comment below.

Posted by TCHARLES April 9, 2008

IM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE ACCIDENT, WHICH IT IS A BAD ACCIDENT AREA. MY HEART GOES OUT TO BOTH OF THE FAMILIES ONE FOR THE MITCHEN FAMILY AND ONE FOR THE JAMES FAMILY! IT WAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT MAY GOD BE WITH BOTH FAMILIES AT THIS TIME.

Posted by newbie3689 April 8, 2008

I have lost my best friend, i have lost my husband, and my son has lost his father. Rich had the best gear he could. Top of the line helmet, an amored leather jacket, and armored leather pants. and it didn't help. I am lost now, wandering around, not knowing...anything. Rich is who God made just for me and now he's gone at the age 31. He was such a great man. Do anything for anyone, fun loving, a wonderful husband and daddy. I will miss him so much, part of me is gone. Please Look Twice before crossing anywhere, maybe that way someone else won't have to bear the pain i have. He died doing what he loved, riding that damn bike, going to a job he loved, for a family he more than loved. tomorrow isn't a guarantee. cherish you're loved ones.