Pataskala Community Grieves Sudden Loss of Sandra Welch, 60, in Tragic Car Accident
LICKING COUNTY, OH — The community of Pataskala and the broader Licking County area is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Sandra Welch, a 60-year-old resident whose life was tragically cut short following a two-vehicle accident on June 27, 2025.
According to authorities, the collision occurred in the early evening hours along State Route 16 near Watkins Road. Preliminary investigations by the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicate that Welch’s vehicle was struck by another car traveling in the opposite direction that crossed into her lane. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital, where, despite valiant efforts by medical staff, she was later pronounced dead. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The loss of Sandra Welch has sent a wave of sorrow through the Pataskala community, where she was known as a compassionate, steady, and deeply kindhearted individual. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a woman who, by all accounts, gave so much to those around her.
Sandra was a lifelong resident of Licking County and had spent the last 35 years living in Pataskala, where she built a life grounded in service, love, and humility. A retired administrative assistant with the Licking Heights School District, Sandra left an indelible mark on countless lives, from students and teachers to fellow staff members. Her coworkers remember her as someone who never missed a birthday, always brought extra snacks for the breakroom, and had an incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and appreciated.
Beyond her professional life, Sandra was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her two children, Erin Mitchell and Daniel Welch, and four cherished grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy. Whether attending a school play, hosting family dinners, or helping with homework, Sandra was a constant, nurturing presence in her family’s life. Her children describe her as their “greatest cheerleader and fiercest protector,” someone who always showed up — not just with love, but with action.
In her free time, Sandra was an avid reader, a lover of crossword puzzles, and a dedicated member of the Pataskala Garden Club. Her front yard was a seasonal display of color and care, a source of pride and a reflection of her attention to detail and love of nature. She also gave her time generously to local charities, especially those focused on literacy and senior wellness, and regularly volunteered at the Pataskala Public Library.
“Sandra was the kind of person who made others feel like everything was going to be okay,” said longtime friend and neighbor, Julia Hampton. “She had this quiet wisdom about her — never pushy, never loud, just always there with the right words, a helping hand, or a listening ear.”
A memorial service to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 2, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hoskinson Funeral Home in Kirkersville, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Pataskala Cemetery. The family has invited the community to join them in honoring Sandra’s life and legacy, and encourages attendees to bring written memories or photos to be added to a memory book for her grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the Welch family has asked that donations be made in Sandra’s name to the Licking County Library Foundation or the American Red Cross, causes she supported throughout her life.
As the community mourns this immense loss, they do so with gratitude for the life Sandra lived — a life marked by quiet generosity, enduring love, and the kind of impact that ripples far beyond her years. Though she is gone far too soon, Sandra Welch’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched