ROSS – Chillicothe – On December 23, 2019, approximately 12:27 P.M., the Ohio State Patrol Jackson Dispatch Center received a call concerning a multi-vehicle crash on US 35 on the bridge over the Scioto River in Ross County.
A 2010 Hyundai Accent, driven by Christy Scherer, 38 of Chillicothe, Ohio, was traveling eastbound on US 35. A 2010 Honda Odyssey, driven by Michael Shampine, 44, of Fairborn, Ohio, was stopped in eastbound traffic. A 2008 Lexus IS, driven by Donald Woodard, 64, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was stopped in eastbound traffic. A 2017 Lincoln MKZ, driven by Catherine Wangari, 39, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was stopped in eastbound traffic. Traffic was congested due multiple vehicles trying to exit onto Bridge Street. The Hyundai failed to stop and struck the Honda, forcing into the Lexus. The Lexus was forced into the Lincoln.
Mr. Shampine and Miss Wangari were transported to Adena Regional Medical Center (Chillicothe) where they were treated and released. Miss Scherer was also transported to Adena Regional Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries. She was pronounced deceased by the medical staff.
Assisting on scene were the Ross County Sheriff’s Department, Springfield Township Fire, Scioto Township Fire, Union Township Fire and EMS. ODOT and Portsmouth Ambulance were also assisting at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation. Motorists are reminded to maintain an assured clear distance between vehicles and to be observant of traffic conditions further ahead of them.
