Man, woman die in separate crashes in Akron, police say

AKRON, Ohio — Two people were killed in separate crashes, with alcohol a suspected factor in one of them, police say.

Robert Ray Rogers Jr., 44, of Akron, was pronounced dead at Summa Health Akron City Hospital after he reportedly lost control of his car while driving on Seiberling Street in the East Akron neighborhood.

According to police, Rogers Jr. was driving his Jeep Wrangler north on Seiberling Street at high speeds at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday when he approached a roundabout at Innovation Way. Rogers lost control on the curve and struck two curbs, went over the inner-circle and then off the road, hitting a tree.

Police say speed played a role in the crash but other factors remain under investigation.

At about 10:18 p.m. Thursday, Tamika Lee, 48, of Akron, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the 1800 block of Vernon Odom Boulevard near the West Akron neighborhood. Lee was a front-seat passenger in the Pontiac G5.

Police say the Pontiac was traveling east on Vernon Odom Boulevard and lost control in a curve at high speed. The Pontiac went off the road momentarily, but the driver was able to correct before losing control again.

The car slid sideways, hit a tree on the passenger side, then hit another tree head-on, police say. Both speed and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash.

The driver was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center for treatment. Police did not release information on the driver’s condition, but said charges are pending.