Slingshot driver fatally strikes Mentor Headlands State Park gate overnight, OSHP says

MENTOR, Ohio (WOIO) - A Clevelander driving a three-wheeler died after striking the closed gate to Mentor Headlands Beach State Park hours before sunrise, the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed.

OSHP said deputes were called to the crash at the entrance to Headlands Beach State Park, just north of SR-44, at approximately 5:08 a.m. on Sept. 17.

Deputies learned a 2021 Polaris Slingshot was heading northbound on SR-44 when it drove towards the entrance of the park and struck the gate, OSHP stated.

The entrance gate was across the roadway at the time since the park was still closed, according to OSHP.

The Polaris continued going northbound, drove off the roadway, and came to a stop in the brush off the east side of the road, OSHP described.

OSHP identified the driver as 42-year-old Jacqueline M. Ferebee of Cleveland.

She was the only occupant in the slingshot, according to OSHP.

Ferebee was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash, OSHP stated.

OSHP said it is unknown if alcohol, drugs, or speed were a factor in this fatal crash.

The crash is still under investigation.