Caitlin Preston
About Caitlin
Caitlin Preston was born on October 16, 2000. She graduated from Kenton Ridge High School in May of 2019. She was to go to Tiffin college and study forensic science. An avid bowler, she received an athletic bowling scholarship to compete on the Tiffin bowling team. She was known by her friends as loving and caring; the one you could always go to if you needed advice or a hug.
Caitlin loved the outdoors; camping, fishing, hiking, and boating. She loved cheerleading, soccer and singing. A family friend described Caitlin as “beautiful, funny, smart, compassionate, sarcastic, comedic, a talented artist, choir singer, and bowler. She had an amazing future planned and was eternally optimistic.” She had her path all planned out but that got taken away from her eight days after she graduated from high school.
Crash Description
On May 28 of 2019 is when Shirley last saw her daughter and told her she loved her. On State Route 72 in Cedarville, Ohio the truck driver was not paying attention and lost control as the semi truck that he was driving hit Caitlin head on in a front underride crash, killing her. He was talking on a hands-free cell phone and drove off the right side of the road. He then attempted to steer back onto the roadway when he overcorrected and went left of center into the driver’s side door of Caitlin’s car. The driver didn’t have to pay any fines and was back on the road within weeks.
Life After the Crash
Caitlin’s mom, Shirley, describes the crash as “devastating” and has suffered a severe decline in health since the crash. Without her daughter she feels “lonely, cold, and struggles to find enjoyment in any activities.”
A lawsuit was filed and settled prior to the criminal jury trial. The company was insured for above the minimum insurance, paid full policy limits, agreed to put money towards collision avoidance technology, and contribute money towards Caitlin’s annual bowling scholarship founded by her family. However, the truck driver that killed Caitlin is still driving, despite his neglect, and never had to pay fines to Caitlin’s family. The lack of justice, as well as the tragic death of Caitlin, makes living in the day to day very difficult for Shirley.
Shirley hopes by sharing Caitlin’s story anyone else in a similar situation will know they are not alone in their anger and grief, and hopes to raise awareness for safer trucking regulations.