Reynoldsburg Woman Dies in Crash After Medical Emergency
A 78-year-old woman from Reynoldsburg died following a car crash in Jefferson Township on Nov. 5, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Susan Kist was pronounced dead shortly after 10:30 p.m. at Mount Carmel East Hospital after her Chevrolet Malibu veered off the road in the 2400 block of Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road. The vehicle struck a grass ditch and a driveway embankment before flipping and landing on its roof.
According to an autopsy report, Kist suffered a ruptured dissection of her thoracic aorta, leading to her death. She had a history of hypertension, and the rupture caused significant bleeding around her heart. Authorities stated she experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash, as noted by witnesses who observed her vehicle veering off the road.
While Kist sustained abrasions and contusions consistent with the crash, her primary cause of death was the aneurysm’s rupture rather than immediate injuries from the accident.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no further details have been released regarding vehicle towing or lane closures.
Public Safety and Breaking News Reporter Bailey Gallion can be contacted at bagallion@dispatch.com.