Marion Post Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian

• July 9, 2024

MARION – The Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on July 8th at 11:30 a.m. on Center Street near Chicago Avenue in the City of Marion.

The preliminary investigation showed a Ford Escape, operated by Sandra Brown, 85, Marion, struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk as she was pulling out of a private drive onto Center Street. The pedestrian was identified as Linda Dowalter, 72, of Bellville. Dowalter and the Escape were then struck by a Kenworth T480 truck, operated by James McGinnis, 53, Marion who was traveling east on Center Street.

Dowalter sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Brown and her passenger, Diane Wilcox, 79, Marion, both sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Marion General Hospital. A 7-year-old and 2-year-old were with Dowalter at the time of the crash. The 2-year-old sustained minor injuries. The 7-year-old and McGinnis were not injured.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Marion City Department of Fire and EMS, Marion Police Department and Kirby’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

ASHLAND WEATHER