OSP Investigating Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash on State Route 3 in Canaan Township
CANAAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday afternoon on State Route 3 in Wayne County, claiming the life of 31-year-old Imogene Osborne of Wooster. The tragic incident shut down part of the highway for several hours and has left the community grieving.
According to preliminary reports from the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 4:20 p.m. near the intersection of State Route 3 and East Pleasant Home Road. Investigators say Osborne was driving a sedan when her vehicle was struck in a chain-reaction collision involving two other vehicles.
Troopers reported that emergency crews arrived quickly, but Osborne sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Other drivers involved in the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The identities of those individuals have not yet been released.
The crash remains under investigation, and authorities are looking into speed, right-of-way, and potential driver distraction as possible contributing factors. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not indicated that alcohol or drugs played a role at this time.
Traffic along State Route 3 was closed in both directions for several hours as investigators reconstructed the accident scene and crews worked to clear debris. Commuters were diverted onto surrounding roadways, causing significant congestion during the evening rush.
Friends and family of Osborne have expressed their devastation, describing her as a loving daughter, friend, and community member. “Imogene was one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” said a longtime friend. “She had a big heart and was always there for others. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has reminded motorists to exercise caution, particularly at intersections and high-traffic corridors like State Route 3. Troopers stressed the importance of attentiveness behind the wheel to prevent tragedies like this one.
Funeral arrangements for Osborne are pending and will be announced by her family in the coming days.
This crash marks yet another fatal incident on Ohio’s state roadways this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about traffic safety in rural and suburban communities. Local leaders say they will continue working with state transportation officials to improve roadway safety measures in the area.
