The intersections of Plain City-Georgesville and Price-Hilliards roads were closed Wednesday following a fatal crash. Responders from a variety of agencies assisted at the scene where a Hilliard woman was declared dead. (Photo submitted)
Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fatal crash Christmas morning near Plain City.
According to a report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, about 7:11 a.m., Wednesday, Cathey L. Hegele, 73, of Hilliard, was driving west on Price-Hilliards Road in Canaan Township.
“Hegele failed to stop at the intersection at Plain City-Georgesville Road,” according to the report.
Price-Hilliards Road comes to an end at Plain City-Georgesville Road and joins that road for about 1/10th of a mile before splitting again.
Investigators said Hegele, driving a 2016 Ford Taurus, drove through the intersection, off the road and onto a private drive. She hit and drove through a closed gate as well as a wooden post before driving into a pond.
“The vehicle rolled over, coming to a rest on its top in the pond,” according to the OSP report.
Officials said that because of the size and shape of the pond, nobody knew the car was in the pond until the homeowner went outside and saw the crash about 8:24 a.m.
The homeowner called 911.
“Hegele was removed from the vehicle by Pleasant Valley Fire and EMS personnel,” according to the report.
The woman was declared dead at the scene by officials from the Madison County Coroner’s Office.
OSP was assisted on scene by Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Valley Fire and EMS, Norwich Township Fire and EMS, Washington Township Fire and EMS and Madison County Coroner’s Office.
Officials said they are “currently investigating” but the cause of the crash remains unknown at the time.