An Ohio mom of three was killed after a huge tree got here crashing down on her SUV as she drove alongside a freeway over the weekend, authorities mentioned.
Bridget E. Reagan, 35, of Minerva, was behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer touring west on US Route 30 in Paris Township round 5:24 p.m. Saturday when a tree toppled from a wooded space and crashed onto the automobile, in accordance with the Ohio State Freeway Patrol (OSHP).
Reagan was pronounced useless on the scene, OSHP mentioned.
“We’re attempting to find out whether or not or not the bottom was saturated, if the tree was rotted or issues like that — every little thing factors to being an act of God,” Lt. Johnnie Maier of the Ohio State Freeway Patrol instructed WEWS.
“This might have occurred to anyone, however on this case, it occurred to a younger girl with a household,” Maier instructed the outlet.
Reagan was a small-business proprietor and well-known member of the Minerva group, the place she owned Stylish Haven, a clothes and residential décor boutique.
Reagan’s sudden loss of life prompted an outpouring of grief from household, associates, fellow enterprise homeowners and members of the tight-knit Minerva group.
The Minerva Space Chamber of Commerce supplied its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to Reagan’s household, associates and family members, describing her as a valued member of the native enterprise group who introduced “an unbelievable quantity of vitality, heat, and pleasure” to these round her.
“Her presence touched so many individuals, and the impression she made all through our group won’t be forgotten,” the chamber mentioned, including that the loss “will probably be felt for a really very long time.”
Reagan additionally used her platform to provide again. In a Fb submit final 12 months, she requested associates to mark her birthday by donating to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit centered on supporting veterans and elevating consciousness about veteran suicide.
“I’ve chosen this nonprofit as a result of their mission means loads to me, and I hope you’ll take into account contributing as a technique to have a good time with me,” Reagan wrote on the time.
Stylish Haven Boutique confirmed Reagan’s loss of life in an emotional Fb submit signed by her sister, Kelly.
“There aren’t any phrases that would ever actually categorical the heartbreak and vacancy we’re feeling,” the submit mentioned.
“Bridget poured a lot love, time, ardour, and items of herself into this enterprise, however much more importantly, she touched the lives of so many individuals alongside the best way,” the submit continued.
The household mentioned they’d work to protect what Reagan constructed.
“We are going to do our greatest to honor her reminiscence and the legacy she created,” the submit mentioned.
A GoFundMe created by Reagan’s sister is elevating cash for funeral and memorial bills and to help her three kids.
“Bridget was a loving mom to 3 younger kids, and so they have been the middle of her world,” the fundraiser mentioned.
“She was additionally a deeply beloved daughter, sister, and pal,” the fundraiser continued, saying Reagan’s loss of life “has left an unlimited house within the lives of so many individuals who cared about her.”
Buddies and clients additionally flooded social media with tributes, remembering Reagan as a form and supportive pal who made time for others and embraced households in the neighborhood.
One mourner recalled that Reagan was by no means too busy to supply a brand new mom recommendation or a listening ear, whereas one other mentioned she welcomed their household “with open arms.” Others remembered her as “such a light-weight in our little group” and mentioned she had “the kindest coronary heart.”
One native enterprise is now utilizing Reagan’s reminiscence to assist help her household. Gardner Candle Co. introduced a memorial candle made in a perfume Reagan significantly beloved, with 100% of the earnings going to her household.
“Some folks depart a light-weight behind that may by no means be dimmed. Bridget Reagan was a kind of stunning souls,” the corporate wrote, saying Reagan had supported the proprietor’s candle enterprise and sometimes partnered along with her on native occasions.
