MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A 19-year-old Caledonia woman was killed Friday evening in a three-vehicle crash on State Route 309 in Marion County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m. near milepost 21 in Claridon Township, troopers from the patrol’s Marion Post reported.
According to a preliminary investigation, Eva J. Moran, 19, of Caledonia, was driving a black 2012 Hyundai Elantra eastbound on State Route 309. Ahead of her, a white 2013 GMC Acadia, driven by Nathaniel R. Blankenship, 19, of Marion, was stopped in the eastbound lane waiting to turn left into a private driveway.
Troopers said Moran failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead and struck the left rear of Blankenship’s vehicle. The impact caused Moran’s vehicle to cross the centerline into the westbound lane, where it was struck by a westbound black 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Dalila Zamudio, 23, of Galion.
The collision caused Moran to be ejected from her vehicle. The Jeep Grand Cherokee came to rest after traveling off the north side of the highway.
Moran was transported by Marion Township EMS to Marion General Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Blankenship sustained possible injuries and was treated at the scene. Zamudio suffered minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Marion General Hospital.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, First Consolidated Fire Department, Marion Township EMS, Fort Morrow EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, B&B Towing, and Precision Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.