Gay Rothacher Obituary, Death: Bolivar woman named as victim in deadly Jackson Township crash
Gay Rothacher Obituary, Death – A tragic two-vehicle crash in Jackson Township has claimed the life of a 55-year-old Bolivar woman, now identified as Gay Rothacher. The accident occurred late Thursday morning, May 22, at the intersection of Wales Avenue and Strausser Street NW. The Stark County Coroner’s Office confirmed Rothacher was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 a.m., with the announcement made by death investigator Tammy Wilkes.
The collision, which involved a total of three individuals, was first reported to authorities at approximately 10:48 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Jackson Township Police Department and emergency services. Rothacher’s vehicle was one of the two involved in the incident, although officials have not yet released details on which car she was operating or occupying.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene shortly after the report of the crash. One of the surviving individuals was transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton for medical care. The nature and severity of their injuries have not been publicly disclosed. The third person involved in the crash received medical attention on-site and was not transported to a hospital, suggesting their injuries were less severe.
The exact circumstances surrounding the fatal crash have not yet been fully disclosed, as investigators are still working to piece together what led to the deadly incident. Authorities have not released any information regarding the direction of travel of the vehicles, whether speed, distraction, or any other contributing factors may have played a role, or whether any citations or charges are pending.
In their brief public statement, the Jackson Township Police Department acknowledged the seriousness of the crash and confirmed that their investigation remains active. Officers are likely reviewing physical evidence from the crash site, gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and interviewing witnesses to gain a clearer picture of what occurred in the moments leading up to the collision.
The intersection where the crash occurred—Wales Avenue and Strausser Street NW—is a well-traveled area in Jackson Township. With a mix of residential and commercial development nearby, it’s a location that sees steady traffic throughout the day. It is not yet known whether traffic signals or signage were factors in the crash or whether visibility, road conditions, or driver behavior may have contributed.
Gay Rothacher’s sudden and tragic death has undoubtedly left a deep impact on her family, friends, and community. While little public information has been shared about her life at this time, residents in the Bolivar area, where she was from, are mourning the loss of a community member. Bolivar, a small town in Tuscarawas County, is home to many who commute to neighboring cities, including Canton and the greater Stark County area, making road safety in and around the region a shared concern.
The Stark County Coroner’s Office is expected to finalize a full autopsy and toxicology report as part of their standard investigation in fatal crashes. These reports could provide further insight into any medical or external factors that might have contributed to the crash or affected Rothacher’s ability to respond during the incident.
Local law enforcement has not provided a timeline for when their investigation will conclude or when additional information might be made available to the public. Families involved in fatal crashes often have to wait days or even weeks before getting full clarity on what occurred, especially in complex cases involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries.
In the meantime, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information—including dashcam footage—to come forward. Witness accounts can be crucial in helping police determine what happened and can lead to safer roadways through improved traffic policies or community awareness.
Community members often rally around families affected by such tragedies, and it’s expected that support will be offered to Rothacher’s loved ones in the coming days. Whether through memorials, social media tributes, or community services, people often find ways to honor those lost on local roads while reinforcing the importance of safe driving practices.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn into a devastating event. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of attentive driving, adherence to traffic signals, and awareness of surroundings, especially at busy intersections.
As the investigation into the crash continues, more details may emerge that will shed light on the sequence of events and clarify whether this tragic outcome could have been prevented. For now, the community reflects on the loss of a 55-year-old woman whose life was cut short in a matter of moments.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with knowledge about the crash to contact the Jackson Township Police Department as they work to provide answers and closure in the wake of this devastating incident.
