Caledonia Teen Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on State Route 309 in Marion County

Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on May 29, 2026, at approximately 5:28 PM, on State Route 309 near milepost 21 in Claridon Township, Marion County.

The crash involved a black 2012 Hyundai Elantra driven by 19-year-old Eva J. Moran, of Caledonia, a white 2013 GMC Acadia driven by 19-year-old Nathaniel R. Blankenship, of Marion, and a black 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 23-year-old Dalila Zamudio, of Galion.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Moran was traveling eastbound on State Route 309. Mr. Blankenship was stopped, facing eastbound, on State Route 309 waiting to make a left turn into a private driveway.

Ms. Zamudio was traveling westbound on State Route 309. Ms. Moran failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and struck the left rear of the GMC Acadia. Ms. Moran traveled left of the centerline into the westbound lane and was struck by the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Ms. Moran was subsequently ejected from her vehicle. The Jeep Grand Cherokee then traveled off the north side of State Route 309.   

Ms. Moran was transported from the scene by Marion Township EMS to Marion General Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Mr. Blankenship sustained possible injuries and was treated on scene. Ms. Zamudio sustained minor injuries and was transported by a private party to Marion General Hospital. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the First Consolidated Fire Department, Marion Township EMS, Fort Morrow EMS, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, B&B Towing, Precision Towing, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.  

The crash remains under investigation.