Overview
- A large tree toppled from a wooded area onto a Jeep Wagoneer on U.S. Route 30 in Paris Township on Saturday, Aug. 15, crushing the vehicle and killing the driver at the scene.
- The victim was identified as 35-year-old Bridget Reagan, a mother of three and owner of Chic Haven boutique in Minerva who was remembered by local leaders as a central, community-minded small-business owner.
- Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators said they are examining factors such as saturated soil and internal tree rot and described the incident so far as consistent with an "act of God," while the Stark County Coroner’s Office continues its review.
- Minerva residents, friends and fellow business owners have left flowers at Chic Haven, held a vigil and launched fundraising pages to cover funeral costs and support Reagan’s children.
- Next steps include forensic scene analysis by highway patrol investigators and a formal coroner determination that could clarify the cause of the collapse and inform any local safety or maintenance questions.