Catherine L. Ruggly Death – A pedestrian lost their life in a hit-and-run accident on Alliance-Sebring Road on Wednesday night, just outside Alliance, as reported by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The Stark County Coroner’s Office confirmed the pedestrian’s identity as Catherine L. Ruggly, a 48-year-old homeless individual, and disclosed this information on Thursday at 1:35 p.m.
Ruggly was walking east on Alliance-Sebring Road near Oyster Road in Mahoning County when she was hit by an unidentified SUV. The woman was thrown into a water-filled ditch at approximately 9 p.m., according to the OHP’s Canfield Post. Following the incident, Ruggly was transported to Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, where she later passed away.
The SUV, which was also traveling eastbound, fled the scene after the collision. Troopers mentioned that the vehicle might have sustained damage to its front right side.
The crash was officially reported at 9:03 p.m.
Harry Campbell, an investigator from the Stark County Coroner’s Office, mentioned that the victim’s body was moved to Cuyahoga County for a post-mortem examination, citing the incident as a vehicular homicide. The victim’s name was only released after notifying a family member.
Individuals with any relevant information are urged to reach out to the Canfield Post at 330-533-6866, as the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Smith Township Police, firefighters, and Sebring Police provided assistance to state troopers at the accident site.