Canton Township, Ohio – Brak Hayhurst, a 47-year-old resident of Canton, tragically lost his life in a fatal motorcycle crash at the intersection of Faircrest Street SW and Dueber Avenue SW on Friday night, August 16, 2024. The accident, which occurred around 11:15 p.m., marks the third motorcycle-related death in Stark County this week, raising concerns about road safety in the local community.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Hayhurst was riding a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Dueber Avenue when he collided with a 2006 Subaru driven by 21-year-old Nicole A. Christman, who was traveling westbound on Faircrest Street. The collision proved fatal for Hayhurst, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Stark County Coroner’s Office. Despite the rapid response from emergency personnel, Hayhurst, who was not wearing a helmet, succumbed to his injuries.
Christman, who was wearing a seatbelt, did not sustain any injuries in the crash, and authorities have confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs were contributing factors. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation to determine the full circumstances leading to the accident.
The news of Hayhurst’s death has reverberated throughout the Canton community, where he was known as a passionate motorcyclist and a beloved figure. Friends and family members have expressed their sorrow on social media, sharing memories and condolences.
“RIP Brak Hayhurst. I’ma miss talking to you, buddy,” wrote Jeff Mercer on Facebook, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew Hayhurst.
Ryan Horning, another friend, shared his disbelief, stating, “Yeah, I remember Brak…sad…haven’t seen him in years, and I didn’t hear any sirens last night.”
Peter R. Mathis provided further details about the incident, sharing a link to an obituary post, “Brak Hayhurst Obituary, Death: Brak Hayhurst, 47, Killed in Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at Canton Township Intersection—Third Motorcyclist Fatality in Stark County This Week.”
This tragic incident follows two other motorcycle fatalities in Stark County earlier this week. On August 13, 37-year-old Timothy Carpenter was killed in Perry Township, and hours later, 24-year-old Devin Wile lost his life in a one-vehicle crash in Bethlehem Township.
As the community mourns these losses, the accidents have sparked renewed discussions about motorcycle safety, particularly helmet use. Ohio law does not require motorcyclists over the age of 18 who have held a license for more than a year to wear helmets, but the recent fatalities have underscored the potential life-saving benefits of protective gear.
Hayhurst, remembered for his love of motorcycles and his vibrant personality, leaves behind a legacy in the Canton biking community. Plans for a memorial ride to honor his memory are already in motion, with fellow riders planning to traverse one of his favorite routes later this month.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the death of Brak Hayhurst serves as a somber reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face and the importance of road safety for all drivers.