Beloved mom of 3 killed when massive tree crashes onto SUV in freak highway accident
An Ohio mother of three was killed after a massive tree came crashing down on her SUV as she drove along a highway over the weekend, authorities said.
Bridget E. Reagan, 35, of Minerva, was behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer traveling west on U.S. Route 30 in Paris Township around 5:24 p.m. Saturday when a tree toppled from a wooded area and crashed onto the vehicle, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
Reagan was pronounced dead at the scene, OSHP said.
"We’re trying to determine whether or not the ground was saturated, if the tree was rotted or things like that — everything points to being an act of God," Lt. Johnnie Maier of the Ohio State Highway Patrol told WEWS.
"This could have happened to anybody, but in this case, it happened to a young lady with a family," Maier told the outlet.
Reagan was a small-business owner and well-known member of the Minerva community, where she owned Chic Haven, a clothing and home décor boutique.
Reagan’s sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, fellow business owners and members of the tight-knit Minerva community.
The Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce offered its "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to Reagan’s family, friends and loved ones, describing her as a valued member of the local business community who brought "an incredible amount of energy, warmth, and joy" to those around her.
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"Her presence touched so many people, and the impact she made throughout our community will not be forgotten," the chamber said, adding that the loss "will be felt for a very long time."
Reagan also used her platform to give back. In a Facebook post last year, she asked friends to mark her birthday by donating to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit focused on supporting veterans and raising awareness about veteran suicide.
"I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me," Reagan wrote at the time.
Chic Haven Boutique confirmed Reagan’s death in an emotional Facebook post signed by her sister, Kelly.
"There are no words that could ever truly express the heartbreak and emptiness we are feeling," the post said.
"Bridget poured so much love, time, passion, and pieces of herself into this business, but even more importantly, she touched the lives of so many people along the way," the post continued.
The family said they would work to preserve what Reagan built.
"We will do our best to honor her memory and the legacy she created," the post said.
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A GoFundMe created by Reagan’s sister is raising money for funeral and memorial expenses and to support her three children.
"Bridget was a loving mother to three young children, and they were the center of her world," the fundraiser said.
"She was also a deeply loved daughter, sister, and friend," the fundraiser continued, saying Reagan’s death "has left an enormous space in the lives of so many people who cared about her."
Friends and customers also flooded social media with tributes, remembering Reagan as a kind and supportive friend who made time for others and embraced families in the community.
One mourner recalled that Reagan was never too busy to offer a new mother advice or a listening ear, while another said she welcomed their family "with open arms." Others remembered her as "such a light in our little community" and said she had "the kindest heart."
One local business is now using Reagan’s memory to help support her family. Gardner Candle Co. announced a memorial candle made in a fragrance Reagan particularly loved, with 100% of the profits going to her family.
"Some people leave a light behind that can never be dimmed. Bridget Reagan was one of those beautiful souls," the company wrote, saying Reagan had supported the owner’s candle business and often partnered with her on local events.