MOUNT GILEAD, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Mount Gilead Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Monday morning on US Route 42 near milepost 10 in Gilead Township, Morrow County.
Summer R. Kennard, 20, of Cardington, was driving a 2010 Toyota RAV4 eastbound on US Route 42 when she drove off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, and traveled left of center. Her vehicle was then struck by a westbound 2013 Ford F-150 driven by Ricky Smalley, 63, of Galion.
Kennard was transported by Morrow County EMS to Morrow County Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Smalley was also taken to Morrow County Hospital with minor injuries. Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles and were wearing seatbelts.
Kennard served part-time with both the Bellville and Butler police departments in Richland County.
Butler Police Chief Eric Winbigler issued a statement stating, “Officer Summer Kennard being a Police Officer for the Village of Butler will be missed beyond words, and the impact she left on the Village will be remembered for years. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the rest of the Law Enforcement Community that worked with her.”
The Bellville police department also issued a statement on Facebook, expressing “great sadness” regarding Kennard’s death. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Kennard’s family and friends. She will always remain in our hearts and minds here within the Department.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County EMS, and Cardington Fire Department. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.