AMHERST, OHIO — A tragic accident on Sunday evening has left the Amherst community grieving. According to the Amherst Police Department, officers responded around 8:45 p.m. on April 13, 2025, to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash near the intersection of South Lake Street and Milan Avenue.
Upon arrival, first responders found a male victim in the roadway and the vehicle involved in the incident. Emergency medical aid was immediately provided by LifeCare Ambulance and the Amherst Fire Department, but the pedestrian—identified as 69-year-old James Denger of Amherst—was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, an 85-year-old man also from Amherst, remained on scene and cooperated with authorities.
The crash site was closed for approximately three hours while members of the Amherst Police Department’s Investigative Unit, the Lorain Police Department’s Traffic Bureau, and the Lorain County Coroner’s Office worked together to process the scene and collect evidence.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Denger was already lying in the roadway prior to being struck by the vehicle. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available. The Amherst Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department at (440) 988-2625.
Source: Amherst Police Department Media Release, April 14, 2025