WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) — A tragic accident in Stark County has left a local woman dead after the SUV she was driving lost control and flipped several times, according to officials with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Authorities reported that the fatal crash occurred on the evening of Sunday, September 21, in Washington Township. At approximately 6:19 p.m., emergency crews were alerted to the scene on Beech Street NE, situated just east of Oakhill Avenue NE.
The driver, identified as 45-year-old Alisha Broad of Alliance, was behind the wheel of a 2015 Cadillac Escalade when the vehicle veered off the roadway. Investigators said the SUV went off the right side of the road, where it struck a ditch, a culvert, and a mailbox before overturning several times. Broad, who was the sole occupant in the car, did not survive the crash.
Officials with the Highway Patrol confirmed that Broad was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident. They added that it remains uncertain whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident. The investigation is ongoing as troopers work to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the deadly wreck.
Details of the crash
The sequence of events outlined by authorities indicates that once Broad’s Cadillac left the roadway, it quickly encountered a chain of hazards. The initial impact with the ditch was followed by collisions with a culvert and a roadside mailbox, each contributing to the violent overturning of the vehicle. The Escalade rolled multiple times before coming to rest, leaving behind a trail of wreckage.
Responders from local fire and rescue units arrived on site alongside troopers. Despite their efforts, Broad was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death highlights yet another case where the absence of a seat belt may have worsened the outcome of a crash.
Seat belt concerns
Troopers noted that Broad had not been restrained by a seat belt, an important factor that often influences survival chances in rollover accidents. According to safety experts, seat belts help keep drivers and passengers inside the protective space of the vehicle during a crash, reducing the risk of fatal injuries when a car overturns or collides with roadside obstacles.
While it remains unclear whether impairment played a role, investigators emphasized that both the lack of a seat belt and the force of the rollover were key elements in the severity of the accident.
Ongoing investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. This includes examining the condition of the vehicle, roadway factors, and whether any form of impairment or distraction may have contributed. Authorities often conduct toxicology tests in cases like this, though results can take time to be confirmed.
Officials have not released further details on what may have caused Broad to leave the roadway. Weather and traffic conditions at the time of the crash have also not been disclosed.
Community impact
Broad’s death marks a somber reminder of how quickly routine drives can end in tragedy. For residents of Alliance and the broader Stark County community, the news has been deeply unsettling. Fatal rollover crashes, while less common than other types of accidents, often result in devastating consequences due to the violent nature of the overturning motion.
Authorities continue to encourage drivers to wear seat belts at all times and remain cautious behind the wheel. As investigations continue, troopers aim to provide a clearer picture of what led to the deadly crash on Beech Street NE.
For now, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has confirmed only the basic facts: a single-vehicle accident, a lone driver, and a tragic loss of life.
