Summit County Medical Examiner

08/10/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted & updated 8/10/26

Update: The victim was identified as J'Air L. Bell, a 19-year-old from Akron. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death is Homicide.
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The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Akron Police Department are investigating the homicide of a 19-year-old male.

On 08/09/2026, at approximately 2:00pm, Akron Police and EMS responded to the intersection of Manchester Road and Lakemont Avenue for a shooting. When first responders arrived on scene, the victim was discovered in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:17pm.

An autopsy will be performed today.

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08/03/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted 8/3/26

The Summit County Medical Examiner and the Stow Fire Department are investigating the fire fatality of a 46-year-old male.

On 8/1/2026, at approximately 10:50pm, Stow Fire responded to a residential fire in the 5200 block of Stow Road. When first responders arrived on scene, they encountered heavy fire and smoke. Fire personnel entered the residence where they discovered the male victim on the second floor.

The victim was removed from the residence and transported to Akron General Medical Center Stow Emergency Department where he later died at 12:34am, on 8/2/2026.

The victim was identified as Joe Vizmeg, a 46-year-old male from Stow.

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07/16/2026

Concerning the body that was recovered from Portage Lakes (East Reservoir) on 07/15/2026, at approximately 11:15am, he has been positively identified as Michael J. Ocepek, a 55-year-old male from Copley, Ohio.

An examination has been performed today. The cause of death is probable drowning. The manner of death will be Accident.

07/15/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted & updated 7/15/26

Update: The victim has been identified as Adonis Darrell McCloud, a 19-year-old male from Akron. The autopsy was completed and the cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. The manner of death is Homicide.
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The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Akron Police Department are investigating the homicide of a 19-year-old male.

On 07/14/2026, at approximately 9:50pm, officers responded to a shooting in the 600 block of Callis Oval following an altercation.
When first responders arrived on scene they discovered the victim with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 10:17pm.

Once positive identification is made and the examination is completed we will give an update.

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07/09/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted 7/9/26

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Hudson Police Department are investigating the traffic death of Joseph Gindlesperger, a 37-year-old male from Northfield.

On 7/8/2026, shortly before 9:00pm, Mr. Gindlesperger was operating a motorcycle southbound on Ravenna Road in Hudson when he traveled off the roadway and into the grass where he struck a downed tree/log. Mr. Gindlesperger was ejected from the motorcycle.

Mr. Gindlesperger was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:15pm.

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07/01/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted 7/1/26
updated 7/2/26

Update: The victim was identified as Josiah Harris, a 15-year-old male from Akron. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The manner of death is Homicide.
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The Summit County Medical Examiner and the Akron Police Department are investigating the death of a 15-year-old male.

On 06/30/2026, at approximately 7:20pm, a friend went to visit the decedent, when the friend was attacked by a dog. During the struggle, the decedent and dog were shot. Akron Police and EMS responded to the 1200 block of Packard Drive and transported the 15-year-old male to Akron Children’s Hospital where he was later pronounced dead in the ED at 8:03pm.

An autopsy examination will be completed today.

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06/24/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted 6/24/26

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Fire Department are investigating the fire death of an 86-year-old female.

On Monday, 6/22/2026, at approximately 9:50am, Akron Fire responded to a house fire in the 1200 block of Chippewa Avenue in Akron. The victim was removed from within the house and was transported to Summa Akron City Hospital where she later died from soot and smoke inhalation.

The victim was identified as June Denisiak, an 86-year-old female, who resided at the residence.

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06/19/2026

NEWS RELEASE
posted 6/19/26

The Summit County Medical Examiner and the Barberton Police Department are investigating the death of a 20-year-old male.

On 06/18/2026, at approximately 10:00pm, Barberton Police and EMS responded to a reported traffic crash in the 300 block of S. Van Buren Avenue. When first responders arrived on scene, they discovered the victim lying on the sidewalk with bystanders performing CPR. Despite resuscitation efforts, the victim was later pronounced dead at the scene.

During a preliminary examination it appeared the victim sustained an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as Benjamin Hutchison, a 20-year-old male from Akron.

The cause of death is gunshot wound to the torso. The manner of death is Homicide.

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06/19/2026

Akron Police officers are stepping up in the fight against gun violence by launching off-duty youth programs aimed at keeping kids safe and engaged. The programs are designed to steer youth away from violence and strengthen community connections beyond the badge.

Keep up the good work, officers!

Gun violence in Akron has been a major concern in recent months, and two police officers are working off the clock to keep kids safe.

06/16/2026

Interested in working for the Medical Examiner's Office?
We are currently hiring a Medical Laboratory Technologist!

Click the link below to find out more information & apply!

https://summitcountyoh.munisselfservice.com/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=20261300&sreq=12&form=CTY2&desc=MEDICAL%20LABORATORY%20TECHNOLOGIST