A man now faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and assault after the pickup truck he was driving struck an Amish farm wagon from behind, killing an 11-year-old girl. The collision occurred around 11:27 p.m. on August 19, 2011, on State route 301, north of Interstate 71 in northwestern Wayne County, according to WEWS.
Police said that the truck driven by 45-year-old Brian Reed struck the horse-drawn open wagon driven by 22-year-old Jonas Hostetler from behind, ejecting Hostetler and his three passengers from the wagon. Sarah Zook, 11, was taken to Lodi Hospital where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. Mattie Hostetler, 21, and Eli Zook, 18, were also taken to Lodi Hospital with serious injuries before being transferred to Akron Genereal Hospital. The two horses pulling the wagon were also injured, but both Jonas Hostetler and Brian Reed reported no injuries.
According to WEWS, the wagon was painted red and orange, equipped with gas lantern lights on both sides and had white reflective tape. Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash and criminal charges are pending for Reed.
Investigators say Reed should have seen the wagon in front of him, but instead we have a senseless tragedy that reminds us of how costly it can be when there is negligence involved in truck accidents.
Moore Law Firm – Cincinnati truck accident lawyers
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of another person's negligence, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The simple fact is that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person's careless or reckless actions.