A wave of love, concern, and heartfelt prayers has swept through Scioto County after longtime Commissioner Cathy Coleman was seriously injured in a devastating car accident on Thursday evening. As news of the crash spread, the community united in what can only be described as a groundswell of compassion for a woman many consider the heart of the county.
Commissioner Coleman, 71, was involved in a head-on collision with a truck at a malfunctioning traffic light in Kentucky. Family members shared that she was knocked unconscious and, due to weather conditions, could not be airlifted from the scene. She was eventually transferred to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where she underwent emergency surgery for multiple serious injuries, including a shattered femur, eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a broken hand. Doctors say she is in fair and stable condition as of Friday afternoon, but faces a long road to recovery.
The tragedy was compounded by the heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog, Packer, who was in the vehicle with her. They were on their way to get Big Boy and ice cream—one of Packer’s favorite treats. For those who knew Commissioner Coleman, her bond with Packer was more than special—it was family.
“It is our sad duty to share that Commissioner Cathy Coleman was in a car accident yesterday evening,” read a post on the official Commissioners’ Facebook page. “She was transported to Columbus and is undergoing treatment for her injuries. We ask for all of Scioto County to join us in praying for her full recovery. #PrayForCathy”
Family and friends echoed that request across social media, asking the public to pray not only for her physical healing but also for the deep emotional wounds caused by the loss of her pet and the trauma of the crash.
“She is one very loved lady, that’s for sure,” one family member posted. “We are getting bombarded with everyone’s prayers, love, and support.”
Support has poured in from all corners of the county—coworkers, constituents, church groups, and everyday citizens who’ve known Coleman through her decades of service.
“Pray for healing of her physical injuries, as well as her broken heart,” wrote one supporter. “Let us shower her in prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As Commissioner Coleman begins what promises to be a long and challenging recovery, one thing is certain: she won’t be walking that road alone. Scioto County is walking it with her—one prayer at a time.
