On Saturday afternoon, Bridget E. Reagan, 35, of Minerva, Ohio, was driving west on U.S. Route 30 in Paris Township when a large tree from a nearby wooded area toppled onto her 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. The accident occurred at approximately 5:24 p.m., and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) officers pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigation and possible causes
Lt. Johnnie Maier of the OSHP told WEWS that investigators are looking into whether saturated ground, rot, or other natural factors contributed to the tree’s fall. “Everything points to being an act of God,” Maier said, adding that the tragedy could have happened to anyone, but in this case it claimed the life of a young mother with a family.
Community response
Reagan was a well‑known small‑business owner in Minerva. She operated Chic Haven, a clothing and home‑decor boutique that many locals described as a source of “energy, warmth, and joy.” The Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences, noting that her impact on the community will be felt for a long time.
Friends, family, and fellow business owners quickly flooded social media with tributes. One neighbor recalled how Reagan never hesitated to offer advice to new mothers, while another praised her for welcoming families “with open arms.” Many described her as a “light in our little community” with a “kindest heart.”
Philanthropy and legacy
Beyond her boutique, Reagan used her platform to support veterans. In a 2025 Facebook post, she encouraged friends to mark her birthday by donating to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit focused on veteran suicide prevention. The post highlighted her personal connection to the cause.
Following her death, a GoFundMe campaign created by her sister, Kelly Reagan, began raising funds for funeral expenses and to support Reagan’s three young children. The fundraiser emphasized that the children were the center of Bridget’s world and that the family hopes to preserve the legacy she built.
Local businesses honor her memory
Gardner Candle Co., a fellow Minerva business, announced a memorial candle in a fragrance Reagan loved. The company pledged that 100 percent of the candle’s profits would go to Reagan’s family, stating, “Some people leave a light behind that can never be dimmed. Bridget Reagan was one of those beautiful souls.”
The community’s outpouring of grief underscores the deep ties Reagan forged through her business, charitable work, and personal relationships. While investigators continue to determine the exact cause of the tree’s fall, the loss of a devoted mother, entrepreneur, and neighbor has left an undeniable void in Minerva.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
