NEWS

Middletown church mourns woman killed in crash

Michael D. Clark and Associated Press
mclark@enquirer.com
A smashed crossing barrier ran through by a church van July 28.

MIDDLETOWN– Tragic loss brought out more than 60 mourners to a tiny church here as they tearfully remembered a longtime volunteer who died when a church van crashed into a train, leaving 10 others injured – including children.

Members and supporters of The Church of Mayfield held a vigil Wednesday evening to mark the passing of 62-year-old Jan Martin, a beloved volunteer who was a front-seat passenger in the van as it transported nine children from Vacation Bible School on Tuesday.

Jan Martin, 62, of Middletown died Tuesday from injuries sustained when a church bus hit a train.

Martin died from her injuries after being rushed to Middletown's Atrium Medical Center.

"She was a wonderful, outgoing person," said Holly Rose, a friend who said Martin was "like an aunt" to her children.

"She was a very funny person and she would do anything for anybody," Rose said.

Associate Pastor Brian Cox told the gathering: "Jan was such a sweet spirit and she loved those kids. She had such a serving heart and all she wanted to do was help those kids."

Judith Ashley, the van  driver and wife of the church pastor, remains in stable condition at Atrium. The Rev. Gary Ashley has been at the hospital with her and did not attend the vigil.

Nine children, ages 7 to 10, were also rushed to Atrium and four were later transported to Cincinnati's Children's Hospital Medical Center.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which continues to investigate the crash, reported the children suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Patrol officials said the church's 2002 Ford passenger van was westbound on 14th Avenue in Middletown when it crashed through crossing gates that were activated as a train moved slowly southbound at approximately 6:45 p.m.

No charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

"As far as I understand, everyone is doing as well as can be expected," Gary Ashley told the Associated Press Wednesday.

"Jan will be sorely missed because she was loved by all," a statement on the church's website read. "She has gone home to be with her Lord, and left this world doing what she loved, serving Him."

Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan attended the vigil and said the outpouring was indicative of "the close knit community" within the 45,500-resident Butler County city.

"There are nearly a 100 churches in Middletown and there is certainly a lot of support," said Mulligan. "Especially when you are talking about a church van crash into a train, a pastor's wife and kids. It's a tragedy all around."

Ashley said Vacation Bible School planned for the rest of the week has been canceled.

"We just stopped right there," he said. "There's just too much going on. We can't go on with it."

The Associated Press contributed.