Tragic Loss in Ohio Crash: Roselle Woman Moriah Smith Mourned After Fatal Three-Vehicle Collision
ROSELLE, ILLINOIS — Hearts are heavy in Roselle and beyond as the community grapples with the devastating loss of Moriah Smith, 28, whose life was tragically cut short on Saturday, June 22, 2025. Moriah was killed in a harrowing three-vehicle collision in Henrietta Township, Ohio—an incident that has left loved ones reeling and a community in mourning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 113 and Gore Orphanage Road, a rural crossroads in Lorain County that quickly became the scene of chaos and heartbreak. Initial reports indicate that a pickup truck heading southbound on Gore Orphanage Road failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the path of an SUV traveling eastbound on Route 113. The impact sent both vehicles spinning into a third car traveling westbound.
Moriah Smith was a passenger in the SUV and suffered critical injuries at the scene. Despite rapid efforts by emergency personnel and being transported by medevac to a regional trauma center, she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
The crash also left several others injured, some seriously, with multiple victims transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. As of Tuesday morning, the identities of the other victims have not been publicly released, and the crash remains under active investigation. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties and working to determine if speed, impairment, or distracted driving played a role in the crash.
Back in Roselle, Illinois, the news of Moriah’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through her hometown. Friends describe her as a vibrant and kind-hearted woman whose energy lit up every room she entered. She was known for her fierce loyalty to those she loved, her infectious laughter, and her deep compassion for others.
“Moriah was more than just a friend—she was a sister to many of us,” said Kayla Martinez, a close friend since childhood. “She had the biggest heart. It’s impossible to imagine life without her.”
Moriah worked as a marketing coordinator for a Chicago-based firm, where colleagues remembered her as both highly creative and deeply supportive. “She had this unique way of blending professionalism with warmth. She made everyone feel seen and heard,” said her supervisor, Devon Lang.
Family members are devastated by the loss, describing Moriah as the soul of the family, someone who held everyone together. She was planning to travel this summer, with dreams of starting a nonprofit to help underprivileged youth access arts education—a cause close to her heart.
The Smith family has requested privacy as they begin to navigate this unimaginable loss. In a statement released Monday evening, they wrote:
“Our beloved Moriah was taken from us far too soon. She was a bright light, a beautiful soul with a generous heart. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this painful time.”
A candlelight vigil will be held in Roselle on Friday evening at Turner Park, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate Moriah’s life and legacy. Funeral arrangements are currently being made and will be announced in the coming days.
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the tragic crash, one truth is painfully clear—Moriah Smith’s life, full of promise and purpose, was stolen in an instant. The void she leaves behind is immense, but her memory will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol, as authorities work to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies from happening again.