With profound sadness, Jaymeeson A. Franklin, 35, of Akron, Ohio, is remembered following a devastating pedestrian crash in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood on Saturday, September 26, 2026. According to Akron police, officers responded to the area of West Market Street and South Highland Avenue at approximately 2:05 a.m. after a pedestrian was struck. Investigators determined that a red Chrysler 300 traveling westbound on West Market Street at a high rate of speed struck Franklin as he was crossing the roadway.
Franklin was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the initial collision, the Chrysler continued westbound, striking the rear of a Buick Encore before eventually colliding with two parked vehicles. The Chrysler’s 45-year-old driver and the 57-year-old driver of the Buick were taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General with serious but reportedly non-life-threatening injuries.
The Akron Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash. Police said speed was a factor and observed evidence indicating that the Chrysler driver may have been impaired.
Following the investigation, authorities filed multiple charges against Monique Martin-Lateef, 45, in connection with the crash. The charges include aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault-related offenses, reckless operation, speeding, an open-container violation, OVI refusal, and a seat-belt violation. Police also obtained a search warrant for blood and urine samples, which were submitted to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory; the results remain pending. Martin-Lateef remains hospitalized and was not in custody as of the latest report.
Police also addressed inaccurate information circulating online regarding Martin-Lateef’s alleged employment with the City of Akron, stating that she has never been a city employee.
But beyond the investigation, the charges and the unanswered questions surrounding the crash is the life of Jaymeeson A. Franklin—a person whose life mattered and whose story should be remembered beyond the circumstances of his death.
At 35, there should have been more days ahead, more conversations to share, more memories to make, and more chapters waiting to be written. His sudden death has left behind an absence that cannot be measured by police reports or courtroom documents.
September 26 will forever carry a painful meaning for those who knew and loved Jaymeeson. A single moment changed the lives of many, leaving family, friends and loved ones to face the difficult reality of a future without him.
Jaymeeson Franklin was more than a name in a crash report. He was a human being with a life, relationships, memories and a place in the lives of others.
May Jaymeeson A. Franklin be remembered with dignity, compassion and love. May his family and friends find strength in the memories they shared with him and comfort in knowing that his life will not be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, Jaymeeson A. Franklin. Your life mattered, and your memory will continue to live on.
