Cops checking speed in crash that killed man raking leaves

Staff report

youngstown

Accident investigators are still trying to determine what caused a van to veer out of control Tuesday afternoon and plow into a man raking leaves in the front yard of his Glenwood Avenue home.

Earl Douthitt, 61, was killed in the accident which happened about 3 p.m.

Police say a van driving south on Glenwood Avenue lost control between West Delason and West Willis avenues and hit Douthitt, who was in the area of his sidewalk.

Witnesses said he was killed instantly.

The driver of the van was taken into custody and questioned and released at the police department.

Accident investigators said they would not release the man’s name until charges are filed.

They said the man did not appear to be drunk and they are focusing on other things that may have caused the crash.

Patrolman Brian Booksing said investigators will try to figure out if speed is a factor or if mechanical failure may played a factor in the accident.

Investigators had the van towed after the accident and are holding it at a salvage yard for evidence and to be tested.

Neighbors described Douthitt as a familiar sight in the neighborhood who walked everywhere and took great care in keeping up his lawn.

He played nine games in the NFL in 1975 as a defensive back for the Chicago Bears.