A beloved Ohio mother of three was killed earlier this month in a freak accident when a massive tree suddenly fell onto her SUV as she drove along a highway.

Bridget E. Reagan, 35, of Minerva, was driving a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer west on U.S. Route 30 in Paris Township when a tree toppled from a wooded area and crashed onto her vehicle, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Reagan was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are investigating why the tree fell at the precise moment Reagan was passing, including whether recent conditions or decay may have contributed.

“We’re trying to determine whether or not the ground was saturated, if the tree was rotted or things like that — everything points to being an act of God,” Lt. Johnnie Maier of the Ohio State Highway Patrol told WEWS, using a term commonly applied to unpredictable natural events.

“This could have happened to anybody, but in this case, it happened to a young lady with a family,” Maier said.

Reagan was a small-business owner and well-known member of the Minerva community, where she owned Chic Haven, a clothing and home décor boutique. Her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, customers and fellow business owners.

The Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce offered its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to Reagan’s loved ones, remembering her as someone who brought “an incredible amount of energy, warmth, and joy” to those around her.

“Her presence touched so many people, and the impact she made throughout our community will not be forgotten,” the chamber said.

Reagan also used her platform to help others. Last year, she asked friends to celebrate her birthday by donating to SAVE22 Veterans, an Ohio nonprofit that supports veterans and raises awareness about veteran suicide.

“I’ve chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me,” Reagan wrote.

Chic Haven confirmed her death in an emotional Facebook post signed by her sister, Kelly.

“There are no words that could ever truly express the heartbreak and emptiness we are feeling,” the post said.

“Bridget poured so much love, time, passion, and pieces of herself into this business, but even more importantly, she touched the lives of so many people along the way.”

A fundraiser organized by Reagan’s sister is helping cover funeral and memorial expenses and provide support for her three young children, whom the family said “were the center of her world.”

Friends and customers remembered Reagan as having “the kindest heart” and being “such a light in our little community.”

That description inspired one local business to help keep her light shining. Gardner Candle Co. created a memorial candle in a fragrance Reagan especially loved, with 100% of the profits going to her family.

“Some people leave a light behind that can never be dimmed,” the company wrote. “Bridget Reagan was one of those beautiful souls.”

As Reagan’s children, family and community face an unimaginable and sudden loss, please keep them in prayer.

 Lord, draw near to Bridget’s children and all who loved her. Give them comfort in their grief, strength for the difficult days ahead and the peace that only You can provide. Amen.