A 35-year-old Ohio woman died Saturday afternoon after a tree fell from a wooded area onto her SUV as she drove along a highway in Paris Township.
Bridget E. Reagan, of Minerva, was driving west on U.S. Route 30 in a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer at approximately 5:24 p.m. when the tree came down onto the vehicle, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Reagan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the tree to fall. "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 the owner of Chic Haven, a clothing and home décor boutique in Minerva. She was a visible figure in the local business community and was described by those who knew her as someone who brought energy and warmth to those around her.
The Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce offered its condolences and described her as a valued member of the local business community who brought "an incredible amount of energy, warmth, and joy" to those around her. "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's death was confirmed in a Facebook post by Chic Haven Boutique, 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," it continued. The family said they intend to honor what Reagan built, writing, "We will do our best to honor her memory and the legacy she created."
Reagan had three children. A GoFundMe created by her sister is raising money for funeral expenses and to support the children. "Bridget was a loving mother to three young children, and they were the center of her world," the fundraiser stated.
In the past, Reagan used her public platform to raise awareness for causes she cared about. In a Facebook post last year, she asked friends to donate to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit focused on supporting veterans and raising awareness about veteran suicide, as a way to mark her birthday. "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.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the tree's fall.
