U.S. Army · United States 
Ronald Rotruck
1964
Ronald D. Rotruck served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Officer Ronald Rotruck was killed in a cave-in of the West Tallmadge Parkway while attempting a rescue. A vehicle had fallen into the section of roadway that had collapsed, and the occupants, a woman, her daughter, and a neighbor's child, were trapped. Officer Rotruck and a civilian entered the hole using a rope being held by other bystanders. They managed to free the woman and one of the girls, but as the cave-in continued to expand, Officer Rotruck, the citizen, and the girl were killed. Tallamedge Parkway was renamed Memorial Parkway when the road reopened. Officer Rotruck was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Akron Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and three young daughters. Officer Rotruck and the citizen were awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three young daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Akron Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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