Summer Kennard of Cardington, Ohio, tragically passed away in a car accident early on the morning of February 3, 2025, on US-42 in Gilead Township, Ohio.
Bellville Police Department announced her as their department member, and she was driving east on US-42 just after 5:30 a.m. on Monday.
Highlights
- 20-year-old Summer Kennard’s parents, Dawn and Matt Kennard, raised her deeply rooted in the local community.
- She became an officer six months ago and served as a part-time officer at the Bellville and Butler police departments.
- She passed away due to injuries from her car accident on US-42 in Gilead Township, Ohio, on February 3, 2025.
Summer Kennard played varsity volleyball at Willard High School. She wore jersey number 23 and played for WHS Willard JV Girls from 2018 to 2024.
As a WHS girl’s volleyball team member, she has played against Western Reserve, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Bellevue, Norwalk, and Upper Sandusky High School.
Although she played several games against different teams, her team only lost to Huron High School. In 2019, her national rank was 2061, and her state rank was 112.
Willard High School mourns the tragic loss of its beloved student and remembers her vibrant spirit, dedication to volleyball, and positive impact on those around her.
Her untimely death has deeply affected her family, friends, and teammates. They shared heartfelt tributes in her memory and came together to support her family during this difficult time.
Summer Kennard’s Parents Mourn After Her Life is Cut Short in Tragic Car Crash
Summer R. Kennard, the daughter of Dawn Kennard and Matt Kennard, was born in Cardington, Ohio, in 2005.
Her supportive parents are deeply rooted in the local community and were actively involved in her life and her passion for volleyball.
Summer’s parents are cherished members of the Willard community. Her father graduated from the Plymouth High School and attended Liberty University.
Matt is active on social media and often shares glimpses of their personal lives.
Summer’s tragic passing left her family and friends heartbroken. She became an officer six months ago, working part-time at the Bellville and Butler police departments.
Furthermore, she was driving a 2010 Toyota RAV4 during her off-duty when her car went off the right side of the road and got hit by a 2013 Ford F-150 going westbound on U.S. 42.
They were the only drivers in their car, and both wore seatbelts.
She was taken to Morrow County Hospital alongside the truck driver, Ricky Smalley, to be treated for their injuries. However, she passed away from her injuries.
Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating the crash even though alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors. Both the drivers
The Bellville Police Department of Richland County expressed great sadness and mourned the loss of an outstanding officer. She will be missed beyond words, and her impact on the Village will be remembered for years.
It is with great sadness to inform you that the Bellville Police Department lost an outstanding officer. Officer Summer Kennard tragically passed away on February 3, 2025, in a vehicle accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Kennard’s Family and Friends. She will always remain in our hearts and minds here within the Department.
Bellville Police Department
Richland County Commissioners approved lowering their Flags early in the morning in Honor of Officer Summer and placed a thin blue line flag on the Bellville Bandstand.
Nontheless, Summer’s family is grieving and honoring her memory. They will soon announce her funeral service.
The Kennard family received an outpouring of support from the community, with many sharing condolences and memories of Summer.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Summer was such a great friend, she had a heart of gold, she was all around such an amazing human. I can’t even begin to try and understand why and how something like this could happen. I pray God is with Mr. and Mrs. Kennard, all of Summer’s family and friends, and this community during this devastating time.
Olivia Wescott
Additional Information
- Summer Kennard stood 5 feet and 8 inches tall.
- She was likely single at the time of her tragic demise.
