Eva Moran, 19, Dies After Three-Vehicle Collision on Ohio State Route 309

A 19-year-old Caledonia resident was killed in a three-vehicle collision Friday evening on Ohio State Route 309 near Marion County, authorities reported. The crash occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m. in Claridon Township and involved vehicles driven by three young adults. Two other drivers sustained injuries in the incident.

Sequence of Events

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision unfolded in a series of impacts. A sedan driven by Eva J. Moran was traveling eastbound on Route 309 when it struck the rear of a white GMC Acadia that was stopped while its driver, 19-year-old Nathaniel R. Blankenship of Marion, waited to turn left into a private driveway. The impact caused Moran's vehicle to cross into the westbound lane, where it was struck by a black Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling in the opposite direction.

The Jeep, operated by 23-year-old Dalila Zamudio of Galion, continued off the north side of the roadway following the second collision. Troopers determined that Moran had failed to maintain adequate distance from the vehicles ahead of her, leading to the initial impact that set off the chain reaction.

Injuries and Response

Moran was ejected from her black 2012 Hyundai Elantra during the collision. Emergency responders from Marion Township EMS transported her to Marion General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Blankenship sustained possible injuries and received treatment at the scene. Zamudio suffered minor injuries and was taken to Marion General Hospital by a private party. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Marion County Sheriff's Office, First Consolidated Fire Department, Fort Morrow EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the circumstances of the crash.