Corvette smashes into four cars, killing Elyrian
The Chronicle-Telegram Staff
ELYRIA — The last conversation James Milton had with his best friend of 35 years was about making macaroni and cheese, he said.
Just after midnight Wednesday, after hanging out with Milton at Burger King on West Avenue, Lemuel Voorhies climbed into the passenger seat of a 1993 Corvette with a friend, Kimberly Smith, at the wheel, and headed for home.
Sixteen blocks down the street, he was killed in an explosive five-car crash.
“He was a good guy. He was kind to everybody,” Milton said of Voorhies, 46, of Elyria, who was also his step-brother.
“I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Voorhies was riding with a friend, 39-year-old Kimberly Smith, and witnesses said their Corvette was going at least twice the 35-mph speed limit, according to Elyria police Lt. Andy Eichenlaub.
The sports car slammed into a parked car in front of Smith’s home in the 1600 block of West Ave., starting a chain reaction that left the entire block littered with wreckage.
Eichenlaub said the parked car was hurled over a curb and into a telephone pole as the Corvette kept spinning and struck a second parked car, which ricocheted into a third one and sent it flying onto a lawn.
Meanwhile, the Corvette continued to spin, and Voorhies was thrown out of his seat and into a fourth parked car. County Coroner Paul Matus said he died less than an hour later at EMH Regional Medical Center of neck and chest injuries.
Smith was outside the Corvette when police arrived and was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. A nursing supervisor said she was discharged later in the day.
Men at her home would not talk about her condition Wednesday night.
Latrice Allgood, a close friend of Voorhies’ family, was one of several people who gathered at his Maple Street house Wednesday to grieve. She said Voorhies leaves behind six children, some of them grown, but the youngest 3 and 5 years old.
“He worked on houses, knew how to do plumbing. He loved to fish, clean and cook. He had just cooked Labor Day dinner for everyone,” Allgood said. “He loved to ride motorcycles. It’s a real tragedy that he’s gone.”
Voorhies’ cousin, Latoya Milton, said he was a real talker with a great sense of humor who was always willing to lend a hand.
“He had a good heart and always wanted to help in any way he could. He would mow your lawn, help paint or help you move,” she said.
James Milton said he plans to set up a memorial fund today at FirstMerit Bank on Court Street to cover his stepbrother’s funeral expenses.
Elyria police continue to investigate the crash. Eichenlaub said they were still not certain Wednesday afternoon whether Smith or Voorhies were driving — but Matus said he believes Voorhies was the passenger, and James Milton said the same. Allgood said Voorhies didn’t have a license and would not have gotten in the driver’s seat.
Matus and Eichenlaub also said tests are under way to see whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. Neither was found in the Corvette.
Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.
Contact Jason Hawk at 329-7148 or jhawk@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by The Chronicle-Telegram Staff September 4th, 2008 in Top Stories. Popularity: 30% |
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Comments
Comment from
jubal
September 4, 2008, 10:43 am
this fellow had quite an extensive criminal record, i wonder if that could be involved?
Comment from
mae
September 4, 2008, 1:53 pm
Why should he shut up? He may have a point. Yes, it is always a tragedy for family and friends when a person dies, but many times the death is somehow related to the person’s poor choices and actions. Many articles about people in trouble or complaining about something have prompted me to look at court records and… sure enough… they have a list of legal woes.
Comment from
mae
September 4, 2008, 2:13 pm
OMG!! I just looked at the records. The guy was a total piece of crap. Theft, felonious assault, rape, drugs, domestic violence and also driving issues. Maybe madb should shut up.
Comment from
mg
September 4, 2008, 2:40 pm
you can say what you want but I am his niece and don’t appreciate your rude and unthoughtful comments. No matter what, no one deserves to die like that. you must have alot of time on your hands to look up the criminal record of a dead man. Thats okay though cuz one day you will answer to your keeper. Someone may have evil things to say about you all as well when you die. My uncle had a rough life and alot of tragedies that can explain his behavior. I am not going to explain them cuz you all are not god. The things he done wrong, he has to answer to god for that and ask for forgiveness and I know in my heart that he has done so. With that said, you never know when its your time to go, so make sure you have repented for your sins.
Comment from
Jack Miller
September 4, 2008, 3:33 pm
This is what’s called, taking out the trash. A wonderful example of Gimme’s here. The dead rapist owned a Corvette, yet they’re setting up a fund to raise money for his funeral. Gimmes NEVER plan for the future. but live for the moment. Bling, bling before planning and personal responsibility.
Comment from
Big T
September 4, 2008, 3:43 pm
Did he reproduce? If not Darwin scores again!!!
If you play stupid games, you will win stupid prizes…..
Comment from
Big T
September 4, 2008, 3:46 pm
*Edit*
Looks like he did… Darwin loses…
Buckle up boys and girls or you get dead.
Comment from
mae
September 4, 2008, 3:57 pm
Maybe I am judging, but I’m sick of boo hoo criminals. With all of my free time I took two minutes to look further and found that the friend in the story also has a long list of arrests for drugs and a pending case involving a victim. It is a more common name, but the addresses of the two men are the same so I am making a logical assumption. The driver also appears to have issues. Give it a rest about how wonderful these people are.
Comment from
Haxor
September 4, 2008, 4:27 pm
With his prior history of Rape , maybe he was making sexual advances in the vehicle that led to the very fast speeds , anyone in there right mind would never travel that road at those speeds , drunk high or otherwise.
Comment from
DonnyJoe
September 4, 2008, 4:29 pm
I was there after it happened, I seen the wrecked cars its sad, but just because he has had a bad past, doesnt mean he wasnt doing good now. He has died now and you people are talking crap about him. Whats wrong with you people making jokes at a dead person?
Comment from
Dan S.
September 4, 2008, 4:39 pm
I feel bad for the friends and family of the reckless driver…
…but relieved for the law abiding public who has to share the roads with the likes of this guy.
Comment from
mg
September 4, 2008, 5:28 pm
to mae, jack miller, big t and haxor, you all need to get a life. People do change and everyone deserves forgiveness. If my uncle was here he would tell you all to kiss his ass. But i will speak for him and instead will pray for you cause you all need it. its very IGNORANT of you to discuss the fact if he reproduced or not. Are you aware that he leaves a 3 & 5yr old behind and one on the way? his kids don’t deserve this nor does my family deserve you all to disrespect us like this. We are better than that so we won’t join your club of ignorance. Boo hoo criminals huh? well when you die and burn in hell boo hoo to you. Takin out the trash huh? well you are trash so why are you still here? Maybe you should read your bibles sometimes and learn about second chances and forgiveness. After all one day somethin like this may happen to you and for the rude things you have said, you may be sent directly to hell and not forgiven. No man or woman on earth can judge another, but my jesus christ will. He sees and hears what you all are saying. Be prepared for your day to meet him. If you don’t have him in your life, seek him now.
Comment from
Haxor
September 4, 2008, 5:44 pm
i wonder if there is crack in heaven? will be real interesting to see the toxicology reports .
Comment from
Gabby
September 4, 2008, 5:59 pm
Haxor, you obviously do not live on West Avenue. It’s not uncommon for people to race down West at high rates of speed. I’m surprised an accident of this magnitude has not happened before.
Jack, we don’t know if the Corvette was his or hers but they seem to think she was driving. The ‘vette was often in the neighborhood.
Regardless of the victim’s past, he didn’t deserve to die because of someone’s decision to break the traffic laws. It’s sad all around. A family has lost someone they loved. The driver has to live with not only wrecking 5 cars but with the fact she killed someone.
My sympathies are with the families and friends. It’s going to be a tough week and having to deal with the investigation will be hard. Regardless of choices we make, some can and do turn their lives around and end up being decent folk. Either way, it’s the innocent family that pays the biggest price.
Comment from
Sarcasm101
September 4, 2008, 7:26 pm
If the victim and the driver were BOTH under the influence of drugs or alcohol does that make this any better or worse?
Or only if the driver was? The victim?
Was he wearing his seatbelt?
Oh, ya thats a state law, but someone on here is going to argue that WEARING your seatbelt can get you killed too!!!
In this instance, it possibly would have saved his life.
Comment from
shootingblanks
September 4, 2008, 7:40 pm
I would agree that he had changed. He hadn’t been charged with anything since July 18th.
Comment from
ctReader
September 4, 2008, 9:37 pm
Yea, see you people should be ashamed of yourselves…
He hasn’t been caught doing anything for over 6 weeks now.
So what if he like to smoke some weed and beat the wife/girlfriend and maybe rape a little here and there. It’s not like he stole ID’s or wait he did that too….well anyway
Shame on you…
Comment from
MT110
September 4, 2008, 10:04 pm
Might be some people in the legal system who are going to lose their jobs with him gone. He kept them busy. What a shame.
Comment from
Denny
September 5, 2008, 6:22 am
one thing for certain, this person will not commit any more crimes, nor rape, nor be a threat to society, some people do change but when one sets a pattern of behavior the odds of changing are almost nil. Why any woman would want to have a child by this man is beyond belief, now the system will have to take care of them, if they weren’t already
Comment from
justsaying
September 5, 2008, 7:07 am
I thank God mg, I thank God right now that no innocent people were around to also be crushed by the flying cars. *like a little child out playing at his home, feeling all safe and not expecting that parked car *with nobody in it* to come flying at him* I think we should be looking up the drivers history…..
Comment from
jubal
September 5, 2008, 8:10 am
well according to the family members, it looks I have a long way to go, I have no where near the record this fellow had, and will still be forgiven
Comment from
mae
September 5, 2008, 8:39 am
My goodness mg, you wish me to die and burn in hell?? Don’t I deserve your forgiveness and a second chance? Practice what you PREACH. Enlighten us on how wonderful it is for a 5 and 3 year old and newborn to have a father like this. I am sure Denny is correct. These kids are probably on aide and will continue to be. No one with the legal problems this person had holds a steady job. Grieve for your family member and stay off this forum.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 5, 2008, 12:38 pm
…ya’ all are like vicious pack animals, that think you smell weakness…
…when it’s probably something else, like grief.
It’s not enough for you that the guy’s dead, ya’ feel the need to piss on his grave too?
Comment from
CONFUSED1
September 5, 2008, 12:46 pm
Mae you have excuse the ignorance and heartless conduct of some of the bloggers on here. If you haven’ t noticed, it’s usually the same evil mean spirited people who leave comments on here.Typically people who have to bash or criticize others are miserable unsaintly individuals themself who come on sites like this to make them selves feel better. The same type of people who probably visit internet porn sites and chatrooms because they are seeking some excitement in there lives. Not to mention cowards who would never say anything in prescene of the deceased family. All you can do is pray for them and hope that when judgement day for them comes our heavenly father has mercy on them.
Comment from
MT110
September 5, 2008, 1:41 pm
“Not to mention cowards who would never say anything in prescene of the deceased family.” Confused1
I wouldn’t hesitate for one second to say something to any one of his family’s faces if it was one of my daughter’s he raped. I’d would be something like “good riddance!”
Comment from
mg
September 5, 2008, 1:46 pm
Comment from mae
September 5, 2008, 8:39 am
My goodness mg, you wish me to die and burn in hell?? Don’t I deserve your forgiveness and a second chance? Practice what you PREACH. Enlighten us on how wonderful it is for a 5 and 3 year old and newborn to have a father like this. I am sure Denny is correct. These kids are probably on aide and will continue to be. No one with the legal problems this person had holds a steady job. Grieve for your family member and stay off this forum.
Mae you are a real treat you know? stayy off the forum huh? its a public forum and besides that, you don’t have the power to make me do such a thing. I do practice what i preach. You keep making those type of comments. normally when one wants forgiveness, they stop doing what they are asking forgiveness for. But yeah I forgive you , i’m a bigger person. I know that God says vengence is his, so I rest assured knowing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His chilrdren are innocent in the situation and no matter what he loved them and they loved him. Funny how you stereotype and say they are probalby on aid. What do you do for a living cause you seem to have a ton of time on your hands. Before you open your mouth about me, let me tell you my background. I am a nurse and a college student full time. I have credentials, so I have room to talk. Far as aid goes, some people need it and thats their business. I pay taxes into it along with other americans, so what.
Comment from jubal
September 5, 2008, 8:10 am
well according to the family members, it looks I have a long way to go, I have no where near the record this fellow had, and will still be forgiven
who says he wasnt forgiven for his sins? god is a forgiving god if you ask for it and really mean it.
Comment from
mrs.lap
September 5, 2008, 1:52 pm
I am sure the people who are leaving these rude comments are not perfect themselves. Since we want to judge, judge this: no matter how big or small of a sin that was committed, it is still a sin. So stop and ask yourself, if you are REALLY that perfect? Get off your high horses and ass to do something productive besides sit at your computer to criticize someone’s life and death. Go live your own life and stop worrying about other people. So what if he had criminal record, he is still someone’s father, uncle, brother, son, and friend. Besides that, we have a forgiving God and it is his job to do the judging.
The niece of Lemuel just lost a love one and she had to get on this blog to see her uncle’s name defamed. She is angry and I cannot blame her. What makes you think she wants to stop for grammar/spelling check when she is obviously pissed and grieving? On top of that, she needed to use bad language on the few fools in here. Grow up! If you do not have any respect for this man at least give respect to his family. Leave his niece alone, INTERNET TOUGH GUYS!
Comment from
DaisyMae
September 5, 2008, 3:36 pm
To whom it may concern, He was a good man, I knew him very well. He might not have been an angel while on earth but he is now. Let the man rest… He has paid his debt to society…
We love and miss you Lem Dogg*~*~*~
Comment from
CONFUSED1
September 5, 2008, 3:49 pm
MT110 i was speaking in terms of him being deceased NOT of his victimizing someone in your family. Let’s get one thing clear I don’t condone anyone who commits rape or murder HOWEVER the man is dead and if he didn’t affect your life what does it matter to you? Another thing, you can be a tough as you want in words but I guarantee you are a b*itch when face to face.
Comment from
Big T
September 5, 2008, 4:41 pm
Lem Dogg?!?!?!
oh man…. this is getting too good.
hahahahhaha!!!!
Comment from
AR-15
September 5, 2008, 4:50 pm
I see both sides. I wouldn’t say anything to the family’s face, because I wouldn’t wanna get raped 
I can say something on line because there are no consequences. That being said, the outrage isn’t at the individual, but the “type”.
I’m sure if you knew and loved this person, it would be horrible, and these comments would seem atrocious. If the family is reading… it does kind of make you cringe, this is tough stuff to read… so why would people write it?
Because people are fed up with crime. They know a criminal, not a person. Writing these “hurtful” things is a perfectly normal societal response to a “criminal”.
It is not that anyone is wrong with their comments; you are just wearing different hats.
I see it both ways… I’m so sorry for the pain of the family, and the sad thoughts of those children. I can only hope that (from the callous side), that society is better off with out this person, read, I’m happy for the pain that will NOT be caused by this person being gone. Again, seems morbid, but those are the two sides.
Comment from
MT110
September 5, 2008, 5:24 pm
It matters to me because I think it’s a blessing when rapists die.
You’re right, he never victimized my family, and now he never will.
Comment from
mrs.lap
September 5, 2008, 5:54 pm
How about get involved with an organization or something to help prevent crimes, not talk about it once it has been said and done, especially if we are so fed up with these criminals.
Comment from
mae
September 8, 2008, 1:27 pm
MG- I never said anything about you or your “credentials”. Your background has nothing to do with how anyone feels about your uncle. My comments about aid were piggybacked on someone else’s, so don’t attack me for what someone else started. I also pay taxes and believe in helping others. My problem is when MY tax dollars go to people who don’t work because they are criminals and degenerates who won’t or can’t work. To partially answer your question about who I am…I also have “credentials.” I am a college graduate who owns a home, supports a family and has good credit. And who cares but at least you know I am not sitting around all day on someone else’s dime. I think the comments by AR-15 will help you understand why negative comments are made. I NEVER said your uncle deserved to die as some of the others implied or outright said, so I still have no idea why you have the most anomosity for me. In my very first post I acknowledged that family and friends will grieve.
Comment from
arasm
September 8, 2008, 10:31 pm
Wow. You know I just happened to be on a break at work just browsing around to waste some time and to catch up on some local news. Then I came across this article and Im always saddened to see a person pass in such a way.
Then I continue to read to all these comments and I realize that society is really f*****d up! No one really has anything else better to do and its really pathetic. I could never imagine reading about someone dying and then “Oh I wonder what their criminal record says.”
Im not even one to sit here on the computer like this because real people with real lives have better things to do. Sounds like we got some mad and hateful people on this page. So I guess if this person was PERFECT (which no one is) then maybe he would have been good enough to be mourned for. This is just plain sick. We have your angry average joes that want to cut people down and criticize. And just to set the record straight I have worked all my life but some people arent dealt the greatest cards in life and do need help sometimes. But someone that has never had to grow up that way would never understand. And for the idiot about cadillacs and bumpin stereos your RACIST all day…maybe your just mad cause you cant roll one!!
And mae good for you being a nurse i curently work full time and go to school for nursing I wish you all the best and sorry for your loss.
Comment from
jewelrock
September 9, 2008, 12:29 am
Well I don’t know what record you were looking at but I don’t see any rape charges you must of been looking at your record….
Comment from
allmoney1996
September 9, 2008, 8:39 am
01/06/1995 TRANSCRIPT TRANSCRIPT FILED. FROM LORAIN MUNICIPAL COURT 94 CRA 4266 - RAPE BOND SET AT $2,500.00 PERSONAL. POSTED. BAILED.
02/22/1995 (EMZ) UPON MOTION OF THE PROSECUTION, THE ABOVE CAPTIONED CASE IS HEREBY DISMISSED. VOLUME 706 PAGE 378
Comment from
widowgirl
September 9, 2008, 3:04 pm
Let he who is without sin throw the first stone. I have done questionable things in my past that I am not proud of we all have in some fashion or other and yes this man has done his wrong but its childish to sit and just slander him after his death. Let his family grieve and move on we are supposed be a gentile society we are are human. Its sounds childish to continue like this grow up and move on.
He will answer for his crimes and indiscretions why don’t we worry about our own houses.
Comment from mg
September 4, 2008, 7:50 am
Lemuel its so sad to see you go like this but I know you are in the arms of god now. Rest peacefully, you were a wonderful man.