Police investigate death of woman, 73, hit by car while shoveling snow

2/12/2014

A 73-year-old woman died Sunday after being hit by a car while shoveling snow outside her West Toledo home.

Lucas County Deputy Coroner Dr. Diane Scala-Barnett said Alice Shaffer was outside her home at 2643 W. Laskey Rd., shoveling snow at the end of her driveway when she was apparently hit by an eastbound vehicle at 10:40 a.m.

Ms. Shaffer was taken to Toledo Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 12:19 p.m., Dr. Scala-Barnett said.

Dr. Scala-Barnett, who is waiting on information from police to make a ruling on the manner of death, said Ms. Shaffer died of "multiple traumatic injuries." Most of the injuries that Ms. Shaffer suffered were to her chest; she also suffered a broken spine, Dr. Scala-Barnett said.

"She was hit at a pretty high rate of speed," the doctor said.

The vehicle was driven by John Nyers, 52, of Toledo. Mr. Nyers told police he did not see Ms. Shaffer until he hit her, according to a police news release.

No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.