Fatal Crash in Licking County Claims One Life, Leaves Four Injured Following Stop Sign Violation

Fatal Crash in Licking County Claims One Life, Leaves Four Injured Following Stop Sign Violation

Licking County, OH –  A tragic accident in Licking County on Friday afternoon claimed the life of Donna Porter, 68, of Grove City, and left four others—two adults and two juveniles—with injuries. The crash occurred at approximately 1:06 p.m. on June 27, at the intersection of State Route 16 and Gale Road, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Granville Post.

According to preliminary findings from troopers at the scene, 68-year-old Donna Porter of Grove City was driving a 2019 Toyota Sienna minivan northbound on Gale Road. Porter had two juvenile passengers with her and stopped at the posted stop sign at the junction with State Route 16. However, she then proceeded into the intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic, where her vehicle was T-boned on the driver’s side by a 2012 Mazda 5 minivan traveling eastbound on SR-16.

The Mazda was driven by 60-year-old Sandra Welch of Pataskala, who had one adult passenger with her at the time of the crash.

Immediate Aftermath and Emergency Response

The impact of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles, prompting a swift and coordinated emergency response from OSHP, local fire and EMS teams, and Licking County Sheriff’s deputies. First responders arrived to find multiple individuals injured, including juveniles.

Donna Porter was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medics. Her two juvenile passengers, whose identities are being withheld due to their ages, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment and observation.

Sandra Welch and her passenger were also injured in the crash and transported to medical facilities. Their conditions have not been officially disclosed, but authorities confirmed that none of the surviving victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

Investigation Underway

Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol have launched a full investigation into the crash. Preliminary evidence indicates that Porter failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign, a factor that likely contributed to the collision. Investigators will also be looking into additional factors, such as speed, weather conditions, visibility, and potential distractions that may have played a role.

Toxicology screenings will be conducted as part of standard protocol, although no signs of impairment have been indicated at this stage of the investigation.

The intersection of State Route 16 and Gale Road was closed for several hours on Friday afternoon as authorities worked the scene, cleared the wreckage, and conducted accident reconstruction.

Remembering Donna Porter

Donna Porter was a longtime resident of Grove City, known for her dedication to her family and involvement in local community programs. Friends and neighbors described her as a loving grandmother, faithful friend, and someone who always offered a helping hand.

“Donna was the kind of person who never showed up empty-handed,” said a family friend. “She was thoughtful, warm-hearted, and adored her grandchildren. It’s unthinkable that she’s gone.”

Grief counselors and trauma support have been made available to the families of both the victims and the juvenile passengers who were involved in the accident.

A Stark Reminder

This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of obeying traffic signs and roadway regulations—especially at intersections that combine high-speed traffic with rural roadways.

“Yielding the right of way is not just a legal obligation—it’s a life-saving one,” said an OSHP spokesperson. “Even one moment of misjudgment can have irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to approach intersections with full attention and caution.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is expected to release further findings once the investigation concludes. In the meantime, the community is left mourning the loss of a beloved woman and hoping for the full recovery of those injured.

Final Note

As the families affected by this tragedy begin the long process of healing, they ask for privacy, support, and prayers. Funeral arrangements for Donna Porter will be announced in the coming days by her family.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area at the time is encouraged to contact the Granville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Please drive attentively, obey traffic signs, and remember that each decision behind the wheel could be the difference between life and death.