Imogene Osborne Obituary, Death – A deadly three-vehicle crash in Wayne County claimed the life of a Wooster woman Thursday evening, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The collision, which involved a semi-truck and a pickup hauling a horse trailer, happened around 8 p.m. on Cleveland Road.
Authorities identified the victim as 31-year-old Imogene Osborne of Wooster. Troopers reported that Osborne had been driving a Nissan Sentra sedan when the accident occurred. Preliminary findings indicate she crossed left of the centerline, colliding head-on with a semi-truck.
The impact of the crash was severe. Troopers explained that the collision with the semi caused Osborne’s Nissan to become airborne and overturn. The out-of-control vehicle then struck a GMC Sierra pickup truck that was pulling a horse trailer in another lane. The force of the crash left Osborne fatally injured, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that all three drivers involved in the crash had been wearing seatbelts at the time. While Osborne did not survive, the highway patrol did not immediately report any serious injuries to the drivers of the semi-truck or the pickup. The horse or horses being transported in the trailer were not mentioned in the initial report, leaving unclear whether any animals were harmed.
Law enforcement officers quickly secured the crash site, redirecting traffic along Cleveland Road as they investigated. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction team has begun analyzing evidence from the scene, including damage to the vehicles, skid marks, and roadway conditions, in order to better understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
Investigators have not released details on what may have caused Osborne to veer across the centerline. Possibilities such as driver distraction, fatigue, excessive speed, or a medical emergency have not been ruled out. Toxicology testing, which is routine in fatal crashes, may provide additional insight into contributing factors.
News of Osborne’s death has saddened the Wooster community, where friends and family are grieving the sudden loss. At just 31 years old, Osborne’s life was tragically cut short in an accident that unfolded within moments. Community members expressed sympathy for her family and concern over the increasing number of serious crashes on rural and regional highways.
Cleveland Road, where the accident took place, is a well-traveled route in Wayne County that accommodates a mix of commuter traffic and heavy trucks. Residents have long noted the dangers of sharing the roadway with larger vehicles, particularly during evening hours when visibility decreases. Thursday’s incident has reignited calls for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious at all times.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues. For now, officials are focused on reconstructing the events that led to Osborne’s death and ensuring that no further risks remain to the public.
