The woman's body was found around five hours after the accident and she was pronounced dead on the scene.
In a strange accident, a woman was found dead by a security guard on January 19 around 5.40 am. The police were called at a Downtown parking garage on Vine Street, near the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio after the 23-year-old woman was found unresponsive.
Victoria Strauss was found trapped in a strange position by the guard. She had her head stuck between her vehicle and the exit toll booth of the garage. It seems that the cause of her death was a dropped credit card. The Ohio State University graduate student was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, as per Columbus Dispatch. Victoria, a native of Florida, was a graduate student at Ohio State, studying social work.
"We were heartbroken to learn she passed away on Monday, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends during this difficult time," the university told People.
A CCTV footage from the night before shed more light on the freak accident that led to her death. She was trying to pay at the exit toll of the garage when she dropped her credit card. She opened her car door and bent down to pick it up. However, she accidentally accelerated and her car collided with the payment kiosk. This trapped her head between the car door and the door frame. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. "No one else was involved," the Columbus Police said in a statement.
The police also added that, "To date in 2021, Columbus has had 9 fatal crashes resulting in 9 fatalities." The horrific accident shocked many people, who took to social media to express their disbelief.
"This is horrific I'm so sorry may she rest peacefully I can't imagine having 2 b the mother and family members 2 receive this news, how devastating," said one of the people. "Let's just give prayers and Condolences instead of placing blame. I'm sure there's a thorough investigation," said another one.
People close to Victoria also mourned their loss by posting comments on her Facebook. "You are so beautiful! I miss seeing you dance. You were always such a great role model to Mackenzie," said a friend.
Victoria's mom might be having the hardest January after losing her mother and daughter in the same month. Susie Strauss, Victoria's mother, had to also bid farewell to her 86-year-old mother, who died on January 2, 2021, as per her obituary.
Friends of Susie expressed their sympathies. "My heart breaks for you and your family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter," said one of them. "Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter and best friend. I was devastated to hear of her horrific accident and I can tell from reading her posts on FB that she was a beautiful soul and an amazing, loving daughter. I am heartbroken for you," said another.
The mother and daughter had been close and Susie considered herself "lucky" to have Victoria.
References:
https://people.com/human-interest/ohio-woman-dies-after-head-trapped-between-car-payment-machine/
