Jennifer Martin Obituary, Death; Fatal Goshen Township crash sparks push for road safety improvements

Jennifer Martin Obituary, Death – A fatal accident in Goshen Township has reignited community concerns about a dangerous intersection that residents say has long been a hazard. Authorities reported that the crash, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, claimed the life of 25-year-old Jennifer Martin of Fairfield. The deadly collision took place at the intersection of State Route 28 and Linton Road. Police confirmed Martin died at the scene, while another driver involved in the wreck was critically injured.

For people who live near the intersection, the tragedy is sadly familiar. Many described the roadway as treacherous, pointing to repeated accidents in the same area. “When it comes to the end of that road, you literally have to hold your breath,” said neighbor Samantha Davidson, who explained that drivers entering from Linton Road face limited visibility and heavy traffic, which makes it risky to cross or turn.

Statistics back up these concerns. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), there have been seven crashes at this intersection since 2022. With traffic volume steadily increasing, residents fear it’s only a matter of time before more accidents occur. Bill Smith, who lives nearby, believes the situation will worsen as new housing developments bring even more vehicles to the area. “It’s a terrible intersection,” he said. “And it’s going to get worse with the big subdivision going back here.”

For years, neighbors have pushed for changes but say their requests have gone unanswered. The latest crash, however, has strengthened their determination to demand action. Many are calling on officials to install traffic lights, expand the stop signs, or take other safety measures to reduce the risks. Donna Davidson emphasized that slowing down traffic on State Route 28 should be a priority. “I think taking some precaution with ODOT and the city with getting lights in would be a huge help,” she said.

Others believe a simpler fix could also work. “At the bare minimum, a four-way stop,” Samantha Davidson suggested, arguing that forcing all directions of traffic to stop would help reduce speed and prevent the type of collisions that have become all too common.

At this point, investigators have not released details on what caused the fatal crash. What is clear, however, is that the community’s frustration is mounting. With multiple serious accidents in the last few years, many residents say it’s unacceptable that safety improvements have not yet been made.

For Martin’s family and the neighbors who continue to navigate the intersection daily, the wreck has brought grief and fear, but also renewed urgency to push leaders for change. Community members hope the tragedy will finally serve as the catalyst for ODOT and township officials to prioritize the intersection and take concrete steps to make it safer for everyone on the road.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, but the calls from residents are clear: they want immediate improvements before another life is lost at the intersection of State Route 28 and Linton Road.