'Senseless Tragedy': Toddler Killed In Car Crash In Ohio

EAST CLEVELAND, OH — A toddler was killed after a car crash on early Sunday morning, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. A patrol spokesperson called the death a "senseless tragedy" which "could have been avoided."

The crash happened in East Cleveland, on Shaw Ave., at 1:40 a.m. on Sunday. A Chevrolet Malibu, with three people inside, including the toddler, veered off the road and hit a tree. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said they believe alcohol and drugs played a part in the crash. Investigators are still determining what caused the crash and what charges will be filed in the case.

The 60-year-old driver, a 49-year-old passenger and the 1-year-old toddler were all rushed to University Hospital in Cleveland. The toddler was later pronounced dead.

The toddler was riding on the passenger's lap before the crash, the patrol said.

The East Cleveland police and fire departments assisted the Ohio State Highway Patrol at the scene. United Towing pulled the Malibu from the scene.

The 1-year-old is the 32nd person to die from a car crash in Cuyahoga County this year. Nearly half of all Cleveland-area crashes have involved suspected drug or alcohol use, and 62-percent involved improper seat belt use.

"The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to have a plan and never drive impaired, never ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs and always use seat belts and proper restraints for children," the patrol said in a statement.