A tragic rollover crash on the Ohio Turnpike in Lorain County claimed the life of a 28-year-old Lorain woman and left three young children injured Friday morning, according to authorities.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the victim as Najalee N. Rivera of Lorain. Troopers said the crash occurred at approximately 11:54 a.m. on June 19 as Rivera was traveling eastbound in a Toyota RAV4 near milepost 146.3 in Elyria Township.
Preliminary findings indicate that Rivera’s vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation. The SUV then struck a guardrail before overturning. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but Rivera was pronounced dead at the location.
Three juvenile passengers were also inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. Authorities said a 7-year-old boy, an 8-year-old girl, and a 4-year-old girl, all from Lorain, sustained injuries. Fortunately, investigators reported that the children’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. They were transported by LifeCare ambulance to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.
Investigators noted that Rivera was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred. The incident resulted in the closure of all eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike for approximately three hours while emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage and conduct a preliminary investigation.
Multiple agencies responded to assist at the scene, including the Elyria Township Fire Department, the Lorain County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, and Rich’s Towing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Milan Post continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
