The quiet afternoon in Plymouth turned tragic on March 9, 2026, when an 81-year-old woman from nearby Willard lost her life in a sudden four-vehicle crash along State Route 61. Ruth Pridemore was pronounced dead at the scene after her vehicle was caught in a chain-reaction collision near an active roadwork area just outside the village.
Authorities say the crash happened around 1:28 p.m. near milepost one, where traffic was being directed by a flagger because of ongoing construction work. Vehicles had slowed in the area as drivers waited for the signal to move through the zone safely.
Pridemore was driving a 2024 Hyundai Tucson when her vehicle was struck from behind by a 2018 Ford F-150. The impact forced her SUV forward into a Toyota RAV4. That vehicle then collided with a Ram 1500, creating a brief but violent chain of crashes on the busy state route.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, but the damage to Pridemore’s vehicle was severe. She died at the scene before she could be transported for treatment. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the small communities of Plymouth and Willard.
Three other drivers were involved in the crash. Michael Sexton, 55, Gurpreet Singh, 35, and Brian Mock, 50, all suffered minor injuries. They were treated following the collision and are expected to recover.
Investigators from the Ohio State Highway Patrol say traffic conditions and the work zone are key parts of the ongoing investigation. Officers worked alongside the Plymouth Police Department, Plymouth Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Huron County Coroner’s Office during the response.
Friends and neighbors say Ruth Pridemore was the kind of person who knew everyone by name. She was known for her warm personality, her kindness, and the quiet way she cared for people around her. News of her death has left a deep sadness in the community she called home.
For many in Willard and Plymouth, Pridemore’s life is being remembered not by the tragic moment that took her away, but by the years of compassion she shared with others. Her memory now lives on through family, friends, and the many people who felt her kindness over the years.
Authorities continue to review the crash as they work to understand exactly how the chain reaction unfolded.
