Jennifer Donley Obituary: ODOT Bridge Inspector Killed in Fatal I-70 Freightliner Crash in Zanesville

The Ohio community is mourning the death of Jennifer Donley, a 45-year-old Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) employee who was fatally struck by a semi-truck while working on Interstate 70 in Zanesville, Ohio.

Donley, who lived in Lancaster, Ohio, was carrying out her duties as a bridge inspector on Monday morning, November 9, 2026, when the tragic collision occurred. Her death has left colleagues and others connected to the transportation department grieving the loss of a fellow employee who died while performing her work.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation, the collision involved a westbound 2027 Freightliner Cascadia travelling through the I-70 reconstruction work zone.

How Did the Fatal Crash Involving Jennifer Donley Happen?

The crash occurred at approximately 8:09 a.m. on Monday, November 9, near mile marker 154 on westbound Interstate 70 in Zanesville, Muskingum County.

The location was close to the Maple Avenue off-ramp, where Donley was working in an active construction zone as part of the I-70 Reconstruction Project.

Preliminary findings from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicated that the Freightliner struck Donley while she was in the roadway performing her duties.

The truck was driven by Brian Carter, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Carter was reportedly not injured in the collision.

Donley sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jennifer Donley’s Career With the Ohio Department of Transportation

Jennifer Donley had worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation for four years, having joined the agency as a bridge inspector in 2022.

Her responsibilities placed her on infrastructure projects where inspections and safety assessments were part of the work involved in maintaining Ohio’s transportation system.

Following her death, ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn expressed condolences and remembered Donley as someone who loved her job and maintained a positive attitude.

Boratyn also asked the public to keep Jennifer, her family, friends, and everyone affected by the tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.

ODOT Colleagues Mourn Jennifer Donley’s Death

Donley’s death has brought sadness to colleagues within ODOT and others connected to the I-70 reconstruction project.

Losing a coworker in a workplace accident is especially difficult for those who shared daily responsibilities and professional experiences with the person.

For her family and friends in Lancaster, the loss is deeply personal. They are now left to remember a loved one whose life ended unexpectedly while she was carrying out her professional responsibilities.

As tributes continue, the thoughts of the community remain with everyone affected by the tragedy.

Investigation Into the Fatal I-70 Collision

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Zanesville Post is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

The crash caused a temporary closure of westbound Interstate 70 between the Maple Avenue area and the Adamsville Road exit while authorities investigated. The lanes reportedly reopened around 12:30 p.m.

No charges or citations had been announced in the reports available for this article. The investigation remains ongoing, and further findings may provide additional information about how the collision occurred.