West Township, OH (October 11, 2025) – A 42-year-old woman from Tennessee lost her life Saturday evening after a violent collision involving a tanker truck and an SUV on State Route 172.
Accident Details: The crash occurred shortly before 8 p.m. near Zepernick Lake in West Township. Investigators say a tanker truck traveling along State Route 172 veered off the roadway. When the driver attempted to correct course, the vehicle crossed the center line and collided with a Ford Bronco traveling in the opposite direction.
Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned due to the force of the impact. The driver of the Bronco, 42-year-old Diane Lewallan of Tennessee, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
A passenger in the Bronco and the driver of the tanker truck were both transported to a hospital in Canton with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigation: The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be factors in the crash. They are examining several key aspects to reconstruct the incident:
- Vehicle dynamics. Investigators will analyze skid marks, vehicle resting positions, and the angle of impact to determine how the tanker lost control.
- Driver factors. Investigators will also assess whether fatigue or distraction played a role in the driver’s overcorrection.
- Mechanical condition. The tanker’s brakes, steering, and suspension systems will be inspected for any malfunctions that could have contributed.
- Cargo and weight. The contents of the tanker and its load distribution will be reviewed to evaluate whether shifting cargo affected stability.
- Road conditions. Lighting, visibility, and road surface conditions at the time of the crash will be documented to see if they were contributing factors.
The results of the reconstruction will help clarify how the tanker crossed into opposing lanes and whether any violations of traffic or safety regulations occurred.
Legal Considerations: Commercial truck drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicles at all times and exercise caution to prevent harm to others. Losing control and crossing into oncoming traffic may constitute negligent driving.
If investigators determine that negligence contributed to the crash, Lewallan’s family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such a claim could seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of companionship or financial support, and the emotional toll caused by her sudden death.
Similarly, the injured passenger in the Bronco may be able to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for their injuries.
My deepest condolences go out to Diane Lewallan’s family and friends. My thoughts are with all those affected by this crash.
Source: 21 WFMJ