One dead after crash in Willoughby Hills

WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio - Willoughby Hills police are investigating a one-car crash that killed one person and sent another to a local hospital. The crash happened just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday on River Road between Chardon Road and Hayes Drive.

Police said they believe the driver was killed when the car crashed into a tree then caught fire but are not sure the deceased was the driver due to the severity of the crash. Police are not releasing the identity or gender of the person killed.

A woman passenger was either thrown from the car or crawled out on her own and was found in the woods. She was transported to Hillcrest Hospital.

The injured woman told police that there was possibly a third person in the car so crews called in a helicopter to search the area. A third person was not located after an extensive four hour search.

Willoughby Hills police said alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Waite Hill and Kirtland Hills police were also at the scene assisting Willoughby Hills police and fire departments.