CANTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO — A tragic and violent car crash on Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025, has left the community of Canton Township in mourning after four lives were lost — including 5-year-old Kira Goudy and her 8-year-old brother, Alex Goudy, both from Salem, Ohio.
The devastating crash occurred just before 2:00 p.m. on State Route 800, between 53rd Street and Ridge Avenue SE, when 83-year-old Peter C. Mingo, of 5202 Everhard Rd. NW, Jackson Township, was traveling northbound in his 2006 Ford Explorer. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mingo’s vehicle crossed the center line and slammed into two southbound vehicles in a catastrophic impact.
Mingo’s Explorer collided with a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by 28-year-old Jason T. Goudy, of 2695 Aspen St. NE, Plain Township. The impact was so severe that the Mercury was cut in half.
Inside that Mercury were Jason’s family members — Bruce M. Goudy, 61, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and two children riding in the back: Kira and Alex Goudy. Bruce was ejected onto the roadway and died at the scene. Kira was also ejected and struck a guardrail, suffering fatal injuries. Alex was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to Aultman Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 3:00 p.m.
Jason Goudy, though seriously shaken, survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported to Aultman Hospital.
The third vehicle involved was a 2003 Jeep Liberty, driven by Bonnie K. Hawvermale, 61, of 303 Westland Ave. SW, Perry Township. She, too, was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Shortly before the accident, troopers had received a report of an erratic driver believed to be Peter Mingo. Whether Mingo suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel remains unknown. An autopsy will be conducted to determine if any health factors contributed to the collision.
The Stark County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Mingo was not wearing a seatbelt, while the other victims were properly restrained. Lt. Eric Sheppard of the Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized that, at this stage, alcohol or drugs have not been identified as contributing factors.
Witness Accounts
Among the first on the scene were Alvin Bailey and Andrew Baker, members of the U.S. Army National Guard from New Philadelphia, who were returning from Toledo when they came upon the horrific wreckage. The two soldiers immediately provided assistance and tried to calm the survivors before first responders arrived.
Nearby residents, including Ron and Helen Moore, heard the deafening crash and immediately called 911. Richard McNamara and his daughter, Melissa, rushed to the scene from a family gathering nearby. Melissa returned to get blankets for the injured. “I’ve never seen anything this bad,” she said, visibly shaken.
A Community in Grief
This unthinkable loss has left a deep wound in the local community, particularly for the family and loved ones of Bruce, Kira, and Alex Goudy, as well as for Jason Goudy, who now bears the burden of surviving such devastation.
Support and prayers are pouring in from neighbors, local churches, and surrounding townships. The community mourns alongside the Goudy family and those affected, holding on to one another in the wake of a senseless and sudden tragedy.
The Ohio Highway Patrol continues its investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to come forward.
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