Jennifer Donley, a 45-year-old bridge inspector with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), died on Monday, November 9, 2026, after being struck by a semi-truck while working along Interstate 70 in Zanesville, Ohio.
Donley, who lived in Lancaster, was carrying out her duties in the I-70 reconstruction zone when the fatal collision occurred. Her death has prompted mourning among colleagues and others connected to the transportation project.
What Happened to Jennifer Donley on I-70?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol placed the collision at approximately 8:09 a.m. near mile marker 154 on westbound I-70 in Muskingum County.
According to preliminary findings, Donley was working in the roadway near the Maple Avenue off-ramp when a westbound 2027 Freightliner Cascadia struck her.
The truck was driven by Brian Carter, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was not reported injured in the incident.
Donley suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred within an active construction area associated with the interstate reconstruction project.
Her Work With the Ohio Department of Transportation
Donley joined ODOT in 2022 and had spent four years working as a bridge inspector. Her responsibilities involved inspecting infrastructure as part of efforts to maintain and improve Ohio’s transportation network.
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn expressed condolences following the tragedy. She remembered Donley as someone who enjoyed her work and approached her responsibilities with a positive attitude.
Boratyn also extended her thoughts to Donley’s relatives, friends and coworkers, recognising the impact of the loss on the department.
ODOT Colleagues Face a Difficult Loss
Donley’s death while performing her professional duties has affected colleagues who worked alongside her and others involved in the I-70 project.
Her role required her to work around transportation infrastructure and construction activity. The fatal incident has also drawn attention to the dangers faced by workers carrying out essential duties near active traffic.
For those who knew her personally, the loss extends beyond her position at ODOT to the relationships they shared with her.
Highway Patrol Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Zanesville Post is investigating the collision.
Westbound I-70 was temporarily closed between the Maple Avenue area and the Adamsville Road exit while authorities examined the scene. The affected lanes reportedly reopened around 12:30 p.m. Monday.
No charges or citations were identified in the available report. Investigators have not provided further conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Information about Donley’s immediate family, funeral service, visitation and burial arrangements has not been provided.
Further announcements from her relatives or an authorised representative may clarify how friends, colleagues and members of the public can pay their respects.
Obituary: Jennifer Donley, 45, of Lancaster, Ohio, died November 9, 2026, after being struck by a semi-truck while working as an ODOT bridge inspector.
Cause of Death: Fatal injuries sustained in the I-70 collision. The circumstances remain under investigation.
Funeral Arrangements: No confirmed funeral or memorial details have been provided.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the preliminary crash information and statements attributed to ODOT in the supplied report. The investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusions about legal responsibility have been assumed.