CANTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO — A devastating car crash on Sunday afternoon, August 15, 2010, has left the Canton Township community reeling after four lives were lost, including two young children from Salem, Ohio.

The catastrophic collision occurred just before 2:00 p.m. on State Route 800, between 53rd Street and Ridge Avenue SE. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, an 83-year-old Jackson Township resident, Peter C. Mingo, of 5202 Everhard Rd. NW, was driving a 2006 Ford Explorer northbound when his vehicle veered across the center line, striking two southbound vehicles with catastrophic force.

The primary collision involved a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by 28-year-old Jason T. Goudy, of 2695 Aspen St. NE, Plain Township. The impact was so severe that the Mercury was severed in half. Inside the vehicle were Jason’s family members: 61-year-old Bruce M. Goudy, seated in the front passenger seat, and two children in the back, 5-year-old Kira Goudy and her 8-year-old brother, Alex Goudy, both of 29882 Carey Rd., Salem. Bruce was ejected onto the roadway and pronounced dead at the scene. Kira, also ejected, struck a guardrail and succumbed to her injuries on-site. Alex was extracted from the wreckage by Canton Township Fire & Rescue and rushed to Aultman Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 3:00 p.m. Jason Goudy, the driver, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Aultman Hospital.

The second southbound vehicle, a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by 61-year-old Bonnie K. Hawvermale of 303 Westland Ave. SW, Perry Township, was also struck. Hawvermale was transported to Aultman Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

**Ongoing Investigation**

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, led by Lt. Eric Sheppard of the Canton post, is actively investigating the cause of the crash. Reports indicate that minutes before the collision, at approximately 1:49 p.m., the Highway Patrol received a call about an erratic driver traveling north on State Route 800, believed to be Mingo. Authorities are exploring whether a medical emergency may have contributed to Mingo’s vehicle crossing the center line. The Stark County Coroner’s Office, through investigator Harry Campbell, confirmed that Mingo was not wearing a seatbelt, while the occupants of the Mercury Grand Marquis were properly restrained. Preliminary findings from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicate that alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors in the crash. An autopsy is pending to determine if any medical conditions played a role in Mingo’s actions.

**Heroic Response and Witness Accounts**

Two members of the U.S. Army National Guard, Alvin Bailey and Andrew Baker from New Philadelphia, were among the first to arrive at the scene while returning from Toledo. The soldiers provided immediate assistance, focusing on keeping Jason Goudy calm and aiding other survivors until emergency personnel arrived. “We tried to keep people calm and do what we could,” Bailey said, noting the overwhelming nature of the scene.

Local residents also responded swiftly. Ron and Helen Moore, living on Ridge Avenue SE, heard what they described as a “gunshot” or “explosion” at the time of the crash and immediately called 911. Richard McNamara and his 19-year-old daughter, Melissa, who were visiting relatives on Dunfred Circle SE, rushed to the scene after hearing the impact. “We could hear a lady screaming when we came over the hill,” Melissa recounted, noting she retrieved blankets to comfort the injured. Her father, Richard, added, “I’ve never seen anything this bad.”

**A Community United in Grief**

The loss of Peter C. Mingo, Bruce M. Goudy, Kira Goudy, and Alex Goudy has left a profound impact on Canton Township and surrounding communities. The Goudy family, in particular, faces unimaginable grief, with Jason Goudy surviving the crash that claimed his loved ones. Local churches, neighbors, and residents from nearby townships have rallied to offer prayers and support, coming together to mourn the tragic loss of life.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate and encourages anyone with additional information to contact the Canton post. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the memory of those lost serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.