On September 1, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a vehicular accident occurred at the intersection of Tibbetts Wick Road and Belmont Avenue in Liberty, Ohio. The incident involved a white 2023 Honda Accord, driven by 49-year-old Richard Lee Cooper of Columbus, formerly of Youngstown, and a black 2010 Mercedes GLK 350 operated by 34-year-old Chasidy L. Ballack of Lowellville. Mr. Cooper's vehicle veered off the left side of the road, struck a ditch, and subsequently collided with Ms. Ballack's car, which was stationary at a red light. Mr. Cooper was ejected from his vehicle, as he was not wearing a seat belt, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Ballack and three juveniles in her car, all wearing seat belts, were unharmed.
Subsequent investigations by the Ohio State Highway Patrol revealed that Mr. Cooper had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head prior to the crash. A Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, owned by Mr. Cooper, was found on the driver's seat with one round in the magazine. Additionally, a Wolf 9mm Luger with two live rounds and a spent casing was located on the front passenger floor. Gunshot residue was collected from both the vehicle and Mr. Cooper's hands. The coroner's examination confirmed facial entry and exit wounds consistent with a gunshot injury.
Given the self-inflicted nature of Mr. Cooper's injury, authorities did not pursue any arrests or identify any suspects in relation to his death. The incident was classified as a suicide, and no criminal charges were filed.
