OAK HARBOR, Ohio —A 21-year-old bicyclist from Massachusetts was struck and killed in northwest Ohio while riding across the country to raise money to benefit people with multiple sclerosis.
Emilee Gagnon, of Holliston, Mass., was struck from behind by a sport utility vehicle Monday evening in Ottawa County, about 15 miles southeast of Toledo, police said.
Gagnon, who survived ovarian cancer as a young teen, was riding to support her grandfather, who has multiple sclerosis, her father said.
“She was an amazing girl,” John Gagnon said. “She made it through the chemotherapy and she never complained and never cried.”
He said he spoke with his daughter on Monday morning, and said she was “getting an early start” on the ride.
The recent Westfield State University graduate was wearing a helmet but suffered fatal injuries.
Troopers say the 49-year-old Martin woman driving the SUV was facing glare and was adjusting her sun visor when she hit Gagnon. The SUV driver wasn’t hurt.
The patrol says speed and alcohol aren’t considered factors in the crash. There was no immediate word on any charges, and the investigation is ongoing.
Westfield State University issued a statement Tuesday on death of Emilee Gagnon:
We are deeply saddened by the news of the accident which took the life of Emilee Gagnon. Emilee was a May 2013 Westfield State University graduate and a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, the most prestigious recognition in the public higher education system. Emilee majored in Art and minored in both French and Ethnic and Gender studies. She left an indelible mark on the faculty, staff and students of the Westfield State art department and in the Honors Program with whom she regularly interacted.
“Emilee was literally a walking piece of art work herself. She wore vibrant beautiful clothes and did a lot of creative, colorful things with her hair. She was a wonderful, wonderful student who provided a lot of positive energy, joy and talent to the art department. She will be missed,” said Professor Jamie Wainright, Chair, Westfield State’s Art department.
“Emilee’s Senior Honors Project, “Revolutionary Beauty: Five Twentieth-Century Women Artists’ Challenges to the Western Art Canon,” reflected her passionate interests in art history and gender equity,” said Professor Vanessa Diana, assistant director of the Westfield State Honor Program. A piece of Emilee’s original artwork is on display in Westfield State’s Honors Center, which is located in Mod Hall.
Heartfelt sympathies from all of us at Westfield State University are with her family and many friends whose lives she touched so meaningfully.”
