ELYRIA, Ohio — A Saturday evening turned tragic after a 34-year-old Elyria woman was struck and killed by a vehicle along West River Road South, according to local authorities. The fatal incident has left family members grieving and investigators working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police said officers were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 to the 6700 block of West River Road South following reports of a possible pedestrian crash. When officers arrived, they found Tiffany Kunc, 34, lying in the snow and unresponsive. Emergency responders attempted to help, but Kunc was pronounced dead at the scene.
At first, details surrounding the incident were limited. However, investigators later reviewed surveillance video from the area, which confirmed that Kunc had been struck by a vehicle. Authorities said the driver did not stop after the crash, leaving the scene without reporting the incident or checking on the victim.
Through the investigation, police were able to locate the suspected vehicle at a residence in Lorain. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for both the vehicle and the home. The car was taken into custody as evidence, along with additional items that may help investigators piece together what happened that night.
According to police, the man who was driving the vehicle at the time told officers he believed he had struck a deer. Authorities said they are continuing to examine the vehicle and evidence to determine whether the driver should have reasonably known a person was hit. Investigators noted that impairment from drugs or alcohol is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police said potential criminal charges will depend on the final findings of the case. Authorities are urging drivers to remain alert, especially during winter conditions when visibility can be reduced. As the community mourns the loss of Tiffany Kunc, officials emphasized the importance of stopping and reporting any crash, no matter how minor it may initially appear.
