Ruth Pridemore, Woman, 81, Dies in Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Roadwork in Huron County — Could Work Zone Safety Be Improved?

Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Monday afternoon in Huron County, Ohio.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the four-vehicle collision happened just before 1:30 p.m. along State Route 61 near milepost 1 in the village of Plymouth, Ohio.

Investigators said a Ram 1500 pickup truck and a Toyota RAV4 were stopped in the northbound lane because of ongoing roadwork in the area. A third vehicle, identified as a 2024 Hyundai Tucson, was reportedly slowing as it approached the stopped vehicles.

Authorities said a fourth vehicle, a 2018 Ford F-150, then struck the rear of the Hyundai. The impact caused a chain reaction that also involved the Toyota and the Ram pickup.

The driver of the Hyundai, identified by authorities as 81-year-old Ruth Pridemore of Willard, Ohio, died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Officials said the other drivers involved — including a 55-year-old man from Shiloh, Ohio, a 35-year-old resident of Perrysburg, Ohio, and a 50-year-old man from Crestline, Ohio — suffered minor injuries.

Emergency responders assisted those involved while troopers began investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.

Work zones can create sudden traffic slowdowns, which officials say require drivers to remain alert and reduce speed when approaching construction areas.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the crash remains under investigation as troopers continue reviewing evidence and speaking with those involved.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about potential contributing factors.

💬 As the investigation continues, many are asking: what more can be done to improve driver awareness and safety in roadway construction zones?