Teen in serious condition after crash

By STACY MILLBERG - Staff Writer - smillberg@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

May 06, 2008 07:22 pm

— WINDSOR TOWNSHIP — An Amish teenager is in serious condition after the rear of his horse was struck by a vehicle Monday evening.
Owen Weaver, 17, was riding a horse on Route 534, just south of Route 322 at about 9:30 p.m. when a northbound 2005 Chevy Blazer, driven by Richard McElroy, 64, of Orwell, struck the horse from behind, said Lt. Mike Harmon, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Saybrook Post.
Weaver was flown by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon, Harmon said. McElroy was transported to UH Geauga Medical Center for minor injuries. The horse was euthanized at the scene.
Weaver was wearing an LED light on his head and the area was well lit with a street light. Harmon said it appears there may have been a southbound vehicle which might have occupied McElroy’s attention and he didn’t see the horse in front of him.
“People come up on Amish buggies and horses real fast,” he said. “It can be hazardous.”
No charges have been filed as of yet, Harmon said.