Pregnant Mother Dies in Nearly 50-Car Pileup Crash During Winter Storm | “Was in the Process of Writing Her First Novel”

A pregnant mother was among the four killed in the Ohio Turnpike pile-up during the winter storm. 37-year-old Julie Roth was expecting to welcome her third child in the Spring of 2023. She is described as a devoted mother, a beloved wife, and a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, and niece by family members. During the crash, Julie's two children were also in the car. However, they survived but are suffering injuries from the accident.

The multi-vehicle crash along the turnpike happened in Sandusky County early Friday, December 23 afternoon. “She was an integral part of our family and we are devastated by her loss,” family members told 13abc in a statement. “Outside of the home, Julie dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse, and enjoyed her side business, The Truffle Affair, making chocolates and other sweet treats for others. She was also a creative mind that loved painting and was in the process of writing her first novel, and was an avid gardener,” they added.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Julie's brother-in-law to help the family during this difficult time in which he fondly remembered "how bright and passionate she was about everything in life." The statement also mentioned, "The children have been moved to multiple hospitals in order to receive the support they need after being in the accident and having been stuck in the cold weather waiting to be rescued."

The statement further stated that Julie's mother-in-law is immensely grateful for the support during these rough times that the family is facing. She said, “People wonder how you survive something so horrific; it is truly one day at a time, one moment at a time, one breath at a time. But what I’m finding is the enormity of our tragedy is countered and even overwhelmed by the tsunami of love, prayers and support our family is receiving. With so much love focused on one family, it is literally raising us up, out of the depths of our despair."

Two of the other victims were identified by authorities Sunday night as 59-year-old Bernard Bloniarz, of Napoleon, and 19-year-old Emma Smith, of Webberville, Michigan. A third victim has not yet been identified pending family notification of their death. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” a 30-year veteran of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department said of the crash to WTOL. “One of the worst incidents I’ve ever responded to,” he added.

Weather conditions including high winds, blowing snow and frigid temperatures were several factors that resulted in Friday's crash. “This crash unfortunately is an example of why you should stay home if you can,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “A lot of people lost their lives today. It’s imperative that you stay home if you can and, if you absolutely do have to travel, we ask you to take your time, be patient, slow down, increase your following distance, and wear your safety belt.”

This is a developing story, and we’ll update you as we learn more. Information about the Buffalo snowstorm is swiftly changing, and WomenWorking is committed to providing the most recent and verified updates in our articles and reportage. However, considering the frequency of developments, some of the information/data in this article may have changed since the time of publication. You can check for information and seek help at Buffalo Blizzard Resources.

References:

https://www.13abc.com/2022/12/26/she-was-an-integral-part-our-family-pregnant-toledo-mother-among-those-killed-massive-pileup-crash/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tony-the-kids

https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/names-released-of-victims-killed-in-46-vehicle-crash-on-ohio-turnpike-december-23-2022/

Cover Image Source: GoFundMe