Officials identify victims killed in Ohio Turnpike pileup crash during winter storm

SANDUSKY COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) - Officials have released the identities of those killed a nearly 50-vehicle pileup crash on the Ohio Turnpike.

37-year-old Julie Roth, of Toledo, 59-year-old Bernard Bloniarz, of Napoleon, 30-year-old Francisco Gutierrez-Martinez, of Cleveland, and 19-year-old Emma Smith, of Webberville, Michigan, were killed in Friday’s crash along the Ohio Turnpike near milepost 106 by the Sandusky County and Erie County line, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol.

OSHP released the names of three of the victims Sunday night and released the identity of the fourth on Tuesday once the agency was able to notify his family members.

Numerous others were hurt in the crash but an exact number is unknown at this time as the investigation continues, OSHP said.

The crash left people stranded in the winter storm for hours and stopped traffic for much of the day Friday and road closures remained in place into Saturday.

OSHP said further details about the crash aren’t available as it is still under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been created for Julie Roth and Bernard Bloniarz by their families.

The GoFundMe for Julie Roth can be found here.

The GoFundMe for Bernard Bloniarz can be found here.

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