Jessica Miller Obituary, Wood County Accident, Death: One Dead, Two Others Injured in I-75 Construction Zone Crash

A tragic crash on northbound I-75 in Wood County, Ohio, early Thursday morning has claimed the life of a Tennessee woman and left a man seriously injured. The collision occurred around 4:20 a.m. near the I-475 interchange in Perrysburg Township, within an active construction zone.

According to investigators, a Freightliner M2 box truck driven by 54-year-old Joel Settlemire of Findlay was stopped in the middle lane due to work zone conditions when a Dodge Grand Caravan, driven by 40-year-old Jessica Miller of Tullahoma, Tennessee, failed to maintain an assured clear distance and struck the rear of the truck. The impact caused significant damage to the minivan and severe consequences for its occupants.

Authorities reported that none of the three individuals in the minivan were properly restrained. Jessica Miller was wearing only a lap belt, while 38-year-old David Miller and a 9-year-old girl in the rear seats were not wearing seatbelts. Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived quickly, providing urgent medical attention.

Jessica Miller was transported to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, where she was later pronounced deceased. David Miller sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized, while the 9-year-old girl suffered minor injuries and was taken for evaluation and treatment.

The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by work zones, the importance of maintaining safe following distances, and the critical role of seatbelt use in preventing severe injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, examining the circumstances and safety measures surrounding the collision.