A tragic accident on the night of Friday, August 16, 2024, claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Canton Township, Ohio. Brak Hayhurst, a 47-year-old resident of Canton, was killed in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Faircrest Street SW and Dueber Avenue SW. The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the accident, which took place at approximately 11:15 p.m., and quickly initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The accident involved a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Hayhurst, and a 2006 Subaru, driven by 21-year-old Nicole A. Christman, also of Canton. According to the preliminary report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hayhurst was traveling southbound on Dueber Avenue when he entered the intersection at Faircrest Street. Simultaneously, Christman was heading westbound on Faircrest in her Subaru when the two vehicles collided.
The force of the collision proved fatal for Hayhurst, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Stark County Coroner’s Office. Despite the swift response from Canton Township Fire and EMS personnel, there was nothing they could do to save him. Hayhurst was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which has raised concerns about motorcycle safety and the role of protective gear in such tragic events.
On the other hand, Nicole Christman, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was fortunate to escape the accident unscathed. She did not sustain any injuries, and authorities have confirmed that alcohol and drug use are not suspected to be contributing factors in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has made it clear that the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the full circumstances that led to this fatal accident.
Brak Hayhurst’s death is the latest in a troubling string of motorcycle fatalities in Stark County. In fact, Hayhurst is the third motorcyclist to lose his life in a crash within the past week alone. This tragic string of accidents has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the inherent risks faced by motorcyclists on the road and igniting conversations about road safety, helmet usage, and the importance of vigilance among all drivers.
Hayhurst’s passing follows two other motorcycle-related deaths in the area earlier in the week. On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 37-year-old Timothy Carpenter, also of Canton, was killed in a two-vehicle accident in Perry Township. Carpenter was riding his motorcycle when the collision occurred, marking another devastating loss for the community. Tragically, just hours later, 24-year-old Devin Wile of Navarre was killed in a one-vehicle crash in Bethlehem Township after his motorcycle struck a tree. Both accidents have cast a somber shadow over Stark County, leaving families and friends mourning the sudden and unexpected deaths of their loved ones.
For many, the loss of Brak Hayhurst is deeply felt, not only because of the nature of his passing but also because of the person he was. Hayhurst was well-known in his community, with friends and neighbors describing him as a warm, outgoing man who loved life and had a passion for motorcycles. Those who knew him best speak of a man who enjoyed the freedom of the open road, embracing the thrill of riding while also respecting the dangers that came with it.
Brak’s love for motorcycles began at a young age, and over the years, he developed a deep connection with the local biking community. He was a regular at motorcycle events and gatherings in the area, where he was known for his infectious enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand to fellow riders. Friends recall that Hayhurst had an extensive knowledge of motorcycles and was often the go-to person for advice on everything from repairs to route planning for long rides.
“Brak had this incredible energy,” said one close friend. “He was always there to help someone out, always ready with a smile or a joke. He lived for the road, but he was also the first to remind us to be careful out there. It’s just so heartbreaking that something like this happened to him.”
Hayhurst’s death has reignited conversations about the importance of wearing helmets while riding motorcycles. In Ohio, motorcyclists over the age of 18 who have held a motorcycle license for more than a year are not legally required to wear a helmet. Although helmets have been proven to reduce the severity of head injuries and increase the chances of survival in crashes, many riders choose not to wear them for personal reasons, citing comfort or a desire for greater freedom. Hayhurst’s decision not to wear a helmet at the time of the crash has sparked debate among both riders and non-riders alike about the balance between personal choice and safety.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has been vocal about the role of helmets in preventing fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and are a critical factor in reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries in accidents. In light of the recent spate of motorcycle fatalities in Stark County, authorities are urging riders to consider the potential life-saving benefits of wearing helmets, regardless of the state’s legal requirements.
In addition to the discussions about helmet usage, the accident has also underscored the need for heightened awareness among all drivers, both motorcyclists and motorists. Intersections are known to be particularly dangerous areas for motorcycle collisions, as they involve multiple vehicles and potential blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see motorcyclists. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to be vigilant, reminding them to look out for motorcycles on the road, especially at intersections and during nighttime driving when visibility may be compromised.
While the investigation into the accident that claimed Brak Hayhurst’s life continues, his family is left to grieve the sudden and devastating loss. Hayhurst leaves behind loved ones who are struggling to comprehend the events that led to his untimely passing. Funeral arrangements for Hayhurst have not yet been announced, but friends and family are expected to gather in the coming days to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who was deeply loved by those who knew him.
In the wake of this tragedy, the local community is coming together to support Hayhurst’s family. The motorcycle community, in particular, has expressed their sorrow at losing a beloved member and has organized a memorial ride to honor his memory. The ride, scheduled for later this month, will follow a route that was one of Hayhurst’s favorites, providing an opportunity for fellow riders to pay tribute to their fallen friend while also raising awareness about motorcycle safety.
As the investigation progresses and the community mourns, the death of Brak Hayhurst serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that motorcyclists face on the road. His passing, along with the other motorcycle-related fatalities in Stark County this week, has left an indelible mark on the community, one that will continue to be felt for years to come.
While the Ohio State Highway Patrol works to determine the exact cause of the crash, one thing is certain: the loss of Brak Hayhurst, a devoted motorcyclist, friend, and community member, has left a void that will not easily be filled. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him, as well as in the ongoing efforts to improve road safety for motorcyclists across the state of Ohio.
