Stacey Alan Perez Sr., 55, of South Euclid, Ohio, has died following a fatal motorcycle crash on Interstate 90 in Bratenahl early Sunday morning, August 30, 2026.
According to police, the collision occurred shortly after 1 a.m. near the Eddy Road exit on I-90 East. Bratenahl officers responded after receiving reports of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle.
Perez was found at the scene and pronounced dead. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as Stacey Alan Perez Sr., a 55-year-old South Euclid resident.
Investigators are working to determine the precise circumstances that led to the deadly collision. One area of the investigation is whether Perez’s motorcycle was struck from behind before the crash.
Police identified the driver of the other vehicle as 31-year-old Leon Croff Jr. of Cleveland. Authorities said Croff initially fled the scene following the collision but was located several hours later and taken into custody.
Croff appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court for arraignment on August 31 and pleaded not guilty. A judge ordered him held on a $1 million bond. Authorities said anticipated charges include aggravated vehicular homicide, stopping after an accident and operating a vehicle under the influence.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the complete sequence of events before, during and after the collision. Officials have not yet released a full account of how the motorcycle and vehicle came into contact or provided all details surrounding the suspected hit-and-run.
For Perez’s family and friends, the crash has brought an unexpected and devastating loss. At 55, his life was suddenly cut short, leaving those closest to him to cope with the grief of losing a loved one while investigators continue seeking answers.
As the criminal case against Croff proceeds, Perez’s loved ones are left to remember the life he lived and the relationships he built with family, friends and members of his community.
The investigation and legal proceedings remain active, and additional information is expected as authorities continue examining the fatal crash.
