A 17-year-old motorcycle rider died after colliding with a semi-truck in Franklin on Tuesday evening.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:12 p.m. at the ramp from Northbound Interstate 75 to Ohio 123. A 1995 Peterbilt 379 semi-truck struck a 2006 Suzuki DL1000 motorcycle driven by Elijah Berman of Dayton, who was traveling south on Ohio 123. After the collision, the semi-truck overturned after hitting a raised median divider, while Berman’s motorcycle also overturned and came to rest at the median.
Emergency crews transported Berman to Atrium Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the semi-truck, identified as 42-year-old Anthony Allen from Michigan, was reported to be uninjured. Authorities confirmed that the roadway remains closed for cleanup and investigation.
Berman, a defensive lineman at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, had committed to play football for Eastern Michigan University just 10 days prior to the accident. Tributes from the football community poured in, with Eastern Michigan Head Coach Chris Creighton expressing condolences to Berman’s family and friends.
The school released a statement highlighting Berman’s contributions as a student and athlete, reflecting on his impact within the community. Investigations into the crash continue as authorities gather additional details.