Tracy Hodgkinson Obituary, Death – On Sunday, August 10, a deadly crash along Interstate 71 in Westfield Township claimed the life of a 52-year-old woman after the pickup truck she was riding in was sideswiped and later caught fire. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported that the incident occurred just before noon near milepost 206.
According to the investigation, both a Chrysler 200 sedan and a Ford F250 pickup truck, which was hauling a fifth-wheel trailer and carrying the victim as a passenger, were traveling northbound on I-71. Troopers said the Chrysler was moving at a high rate of speed when it veered too close and sideswiped the pickup. The force of the impact caused the truck to overturn and separate from the attached trailer.
The pickup then traveled off the roadway, going over a bridge overpass before sliding down an embankment. It landed on nearby railroad tracks, where it quickly caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames. Debris from the violent collision struck a northbound Honda Odyssey minivan, though the occupants of that vehicle were not reported as injured.
Authorities identified the passenger of the pickup as Tracy Hodgkinson, 52, of Painesville. The crash threw her from the vehicle, and she sustained severe injuries. Emergency responders quickly called for an air medical evacuation, and Hodgkinson was flown to a hospital in Akron. Despite efforts to save her, she died from her injuries.
The driver of the Ford F250, a 41-year-old man also from Painesville, was seriously hurt but is expected to recover. He was transported to the same Akron hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Chrysler, a 19-year-old Akron resident, escaped without injury. OSHP has not indicated whether impairment or distraction played a role in the crash, and the Monday update did not mention if any charges have been filed in connection with the collision.
The wreck caused significant disruption to traffic along the busy interstate. Authorities shut down I-71 in both directions for about an hour and a half while crews worked to clear debris, extinguish the fire, and remove damaged vehicles. Investigators also needed time to document the scene and gather evidence for the ongoing inquiry.
The OSHP continues to examine the events that led to the sideswipe and subsequent fiery crash. Officials are likely to review vehicle speeds, roadway conditions, and any potential driver violations as part of their efforts to determine fault.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed driving and the potential for devastating consequences when vehicles make contact at highway speeds. In this case, a single sideswipe led to a chain of events — a rollover, separation from a trailer, a drop from an overpass, and a fire — that ultimately claimed a life. Authorities are urging motorists to drive with caution, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and remain alert to avoid similar tragedies on the road.
