RICHFIELD, Ohio — An 80-year-old Massillon man was killed Tuesday evening when his vehicle became part of a multi-vehicle collision on southbound Interstate 77 near the Wheatley Road exit, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Terry Gribble. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the 5:30 p.m. crash.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Richfield Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to reports of a serious accident in heavy commuter traffic. First responders found several damaged vehicles scattered across the southbound lanes. While the exact number of vehicles involved has not been released, investigators described it as a “chain-reaction type incident.”
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and Richfield Police are leading the investigation. Chief Investigator Gary Guenther said the crash reconstruction team spent several hours on scene Tuesday night collecting evidence, measuring skid marks, and downloading data from involved vehicles.
“At this point we’re looking at all possible factors—speed, following distance, possible distraction, and any medical issues,” Guenther said. “It’s still very early.”
Authorities have not indicated whether any other motorists were seriously injured or if charges are expected.
Southbound I-77 was closed for nearly four hours while the scene was processed, causing significant backups that stretched into northern Summit County and southern Cuyahoga County.
News of Gribble’s death spread quickly through Massillon, where he was a familiar face to many. Neighbors described him as an active senior who still mowed his own lawn, attended church regularly, and was known for waving to anyone who passed by.
“Terry was the kind of guy who’d stop and help you change a tire without being asked,” said lifelong neighbor Mark Donovan. “This just doesn’t seem real.”
Richfield Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam video from southbound I-77 between 5:15 and 5:45 p.m. Tuesday to call the department’s traffic division at (330) 659-4200.
Funeral arrangements for Terry Gribble are pending through Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon.