Brownhelm Township, Ohio — September 9, 2025
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Milan Post is investigating a serious injury crash that occurred on the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 137 in Brownhelm Township, Lorain County, at approximately 8:22 a.m. Tuesday.
According to investigators, a 2025 Jeep Compass operated by Nian Zhuang, 54, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, became disabled while traveling eastbound in the right lane. The vehicle was struck from behind by a 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer operated by Jonathon Ronau, 51, of Hicksville, Ohio.
Following the collision, the Jeep traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. Mrs. Zhuang, who was wearing her seat belt, sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported by Metro LifeFlight to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center. Mr. Ronau was also wearing his seat belt and was not injured.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that the eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike were closed for approximately 40 minutes while crews responded. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, South Amherst Fire Department, Lifecare EMS, Metro LifeFlight, and Interstate Towing Service.
The crash remains under investigation.
For more information, visit the Ohio State Highway Patrol at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.