Woman struck on the way home from the store
By: Brian Shappell
A 54-year-old Dayton woman was killed March 28 while trying to cross Route 522 on the way home from a local food store at 6:49 p.m.
Majorie McKinnon-Vernola was walking from the Foodtown on Georges Road in the Liberty Mall Shopping Center to her home on East Garden Way when she was hit by a car. Ms. McKinnon-Vernola was hit while in the right, westbound lane approximately 500 feet from the traffic signal and crosswalk, police said.
Ms. McKinnon-Vernola was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple cases of blunt-force trauma to the head and chest. Police said it is the first fatal accident at the location.
According to Patrol Officer Kenneth Drost, the investigating officer, the driver of the 2002 Subaru that struck Ms. McKinnon-Vernola has not been charged.
"There was no alcohol, no drugs and no speeding involved, so no charges are being filed at this time," Officer Drost said. "It doesn’t appear the driver is at fault though the investigation is still pending."
Ms. McKinnon-Vernola was wearing dark clothing when she was hit, according to Officer Drost. Officer Drost said the tragedy is a reminder that residents need to use crosswalks to ensure their safety.
"Though it’s not always convenient, crosswalks and signals are provided for safe crossing," he said. "People that don’t use them are doing so at their own risk."
Ms. McKinnon-Vernola is survived by three children: Rob, John and Margaret Vernola. Rob and John Vernola are Foodtown employees who have worked at the store for more than two years. Margaret has also worked for the company in the past.
The Foodtown has created a fund to help the woman’s children who range in age from 16 to 22 years old. Since Friday, the company has raised nearly $500 for the Vernolas.
"Customers were coming in saying they wanted to donate and do what they could to help the family," said Dave Blinkoff, a Foodtown manager.
People interested in making a donation can do so at the food store’s courtesy office.