This story was updated Saturday with additional information about Kathleen Kostka, who died Thursday from her injuries.
A married couple from East Canton was killed Tuesday when they were hit head-on while riding a motorcycle in New Franklin in southern Summit County, investigators said.
Joseph Kostka, 66, died after being taken to Akron General Cleveland Clinic following the crash on state Route 93, just south of Swigart Road, at approximately 12:24 p.m., according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
His wife Kathleen Kostka, 66, a passenger on the motorcycle, was taken to Summa Akron City Hospital with serious injuries. She died Thursday of injuries sustained in the accident, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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The highway patrol said the crash occurred when a southbound 2008 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Robert B. Takacs, 65, of New Franklin, went across the center line to avoid a southbound 2017 Chevrolet Silverado that had slowed for traffic ahead.
After going left of center, Takacs hit Kostka’s 2010 Harley-Davidson head-on. The motorcycle was northbound on Route 93. After contact with the motorcycle, Takacs sideswiped the 2017 Silverado.
The Kostkas were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were wearing helmets.
Takacs was not injured. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to investigators.
The highway patrol was assisted by officers from the New Franklin police and fire departments and the Coventry Township Fire Department.
The accident closed Manchester Road from Vanderhoof Road to Swigart Road while emergency personnel were at the scene.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a factor in the crash as the crash remains under investigation.
UPDATE: East Canton couple dies after motorcycle hit head-on in … – Canton Repository
