An accident early Christmas morning in North Ridgeville, Ohio, claimed the life of Presque Isle native Karen (Knight) Westphal, 49, of North Ridgeville, and a driver, identified as Christopher P. Blahnik, 39, of Westlake.
According to reports, the accident occurred around 2:20 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, when Blahnik lost control on a curve on Bagley Road, east of Woodbridge Court, rolled and struck a tree on the driver’s side. The driver and Westphal died instantly as the result of head injuries.
Also in the car at the time of the accident were Nicole Bolton, 32, and Westphal’s daughter and son-in-law Nicole Westphal, 28, and Russell Clouse III, 35. Clouse and Bolton were transported to Fairview Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Emergency personnel had to use hydraulic equipment to extricate Nicole Westphal, who was Life Flighted to Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland; she was released later Sunday morning.
Both Westphal and Blahnik held management positions at J. Crew stores in Ohio.
Westphal, was a member of the Class of 1980 at Presque Isle High School, before going on to attend the University of Maine. As a senior in high school, Westphal — who was known for her smile and enthusiasm — was voted Miss Class Spirit. In addition to her parents, Wayne and Jane Knight, she is survived by her husband, Rodney Westphal, her daughter, Nicole, sisters Kathryn Wise, Karla Hanneluis and Kelley Christy, as well as other family members. The funeral was held on Sunday, Jan. 1, at the David Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA, 520 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
