Obituary of Shannon Wingfield, Bolivar Ohio, 6 people died after fatal car accident

Publish date: 2024-06-30

The tragic incident that occurred on Interstate 70 westbound in Licking County, approximately 26 miles east of Columbus, Ohio, has deeply affected the community, leaving it in mourning. Shannon Wigfield, presumably a victim of the accident, has become a profound symbol representing the human toll of this unfortunate event.

Obituary information for Ohio resident Shannon Wingfield due to a tragic traffic accident

On the fateful morning of November 15, 2023, a tragic accident occurred on the I-70 highway near Newark, Licking County, Ohio, USA. It was a terrifying multi-vehicle collision, including a bus carrying students and teachers from Tuscarawas Valley Middle School.

According to witnesses, the accident occurred around 8:50 a.m. when a bus full of students was traveling in the right lane west of I-70. Suddenly, a cargo truck crashed into the back of the bus at high speed. The violent collision caused both vehicles to be seriously damaged, leak fuel and burst into flames.

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Among the casualties was Ms. Shannon Wingfield, a 16-year-old student sitting near the back of the bus. I died on the spot due to this tragic accident. My family, friends and relatives were very sad when they received the bad news. They lost a kind, cheerful and studious son, grandchild and friend.

This is a great loss for my family and the community. Pray that Shannon’s soul will soon escape to the realm of bliss.

The accident caused heavy human damage

According to initial statistics, the accident killed at least 6 people, including:

3 Tuscarawas Valley Area High School students:
John W. Mosely (18 years old)
Jeffery D. Worrell (18 years old)
Katelyn N. Owens (15 years old)
1 teacher: Dave Kennat (56 years old)
2 parents:
Kristy Gaynor (39 years old)
Shannon Wigfield (45 years old)

In addition, 15 other students and the bus driver were injured and were taken to area hospitals for treatment. The remaining students were brought safely to the meeting point.

This is truly an unimaginable tragedy for the school and the community here. The pain of loss is so great that everyone can only cry and mourn.

The initial cause of the accident on Interstate 70

According to initial information from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the cause of this tragic accident may have been due to the truck driver losing control of the vehicle’s speed, causing consecutive collisions with the rear of the bus, resulting in it losing control and striking several other vehicles. However, the specific cause is still under investigation for further clarification.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed an experienced team of investigators to the scene to collaborate with local law enforcement. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that experts will concentrate on gathering and analyzing data from the involved vehicles’ dash cameras, as well as other physical evidence, to shed light on the sequence of events.

The investigative team anticipates being on-site for 5-7 days to meticulously examine and gather evidence. Subsequently, a preliminary report will be released in a few weeks to provide initial insights into the accident’s cause. This stage is crucial for elucidating the incident before delving into a more extensive investigation.

Community Response to the Accident

The horrific accident on Interstate 70 has profoundly shaken and dismayed the entire Newark town community and its surrounding areas. Immediately following the tragedy, an emergency prayer vigil was held at the Tuscarawas Valley High School stadium.

Thousands of residents, parents, students, teachers, and school staff gathered to participate in the ceremony. All were immersed in grief and shock at the sudden departure of their loved ones.

In a solemn and heartbreaking atmosphere, the school principal solemnly read out the names of each student and teacher who had perished in the accident. Sobs and cries echoed throughout the venue as people clung to each other, seeking solace amid this immense loss.

This truly is an unimaginable tragedy for the families of the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community. They have lost cherished family members, good citizens, and promising young talents. This sorrow will linger with them for the rest of their lives.

Law Enforcement’s Investigation and Lessons Learned

Immediately after the horrific accident, local law enforcement and relevant authorities swiftly initiated an investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol dispatched a team of seasoned investigators to the scene to secure and examine evidence. They closely coordinated with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Investigators worked tirelessly through the night, collecting statements from witnesses, extracting data from dash cams and vehicle recording devices, examining the crash site, measuring debris, bloodstains… in order to determine the accident’s cause.

The authorities’ goal is a thorough and transparent investigation, clarifying the responsibilities of the involved parties while drawing valuable lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This incident is considered one of the most severe traffic accidents in recent Ohio history. Therefore, the investigation is being conducted with utmost urgency and professionalism.

Once again, this accident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring road safety. Authorities need stricter measures to prevent similar incidents and protect human lives.

Simultaneously, each one of us needs to enhance our awareness when participating in traffic. Adhere to regulations, drive at designated speeds, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol to ensure safety for yourself and others.

It is hoped that following this heartbreaking incident, tighter traffic safety measures will be implemented to mitigate the occurrence of similar tragic accidents.

The above provides some information about the heartbreaking accident involving a school bus carrying students from Tuscarawas Valley High School in Ohio, USA. It is hoped that through this incident, we will all further appreciate the values of life and become more conscious of the importance of ensuring road safety.

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