Cockeysville woman killed, kids hurt in fiery Ohio car crash

STREETSBORO, OHIO - Neighbors are stunned, as they hear the news for the first time. Susan Slattery, who they describe as a wonderful mother, friend and professor, was in this car when it was hit by one tractor-trailer and then ran into another, according to police in Ohio.

The 47-year-old was trapped in the car. When paramedics were able to reach her, she had no pulse.

"She was wonderful - a wonderful neighbor and a great mom and a wonderful professor. And I can't even believe she's gone. She'll be missed," said Christi Spackman, a neighbor.

Her two sons, 12 -year-old Matthew and 16-year-old Peter, were in the car with their mom. As of Monday night, Matthew was listed in critical condition; Peter in fair condition. Neighbors say Slattery's husband was not on the trip.

"She looks for it every year because she goes every summer with the children. That's where her family is and she was looking forward to doing that every summer," said Kitty Connor, a neighbor.

Slattery taught math at Stevenson University. She was currently the Chair of the Mathematics Department. She also organized the annual summer science camps for middle school students.

Christi Spackman remembers a recent conversation when she was gathering materials for a project.

"She was like I'm so sorry for the mess but I can't see having the kids spend the money if I can make it ourselves," said Spackman.

Three tractor-trailers and five vehicles were involved in the crash. One tractor-trailer caught on fire. But it was only the family from out of town, ending a summer vacation, who would have their lives forever changed.

"It's just dreadful news. So sad to hear that," said Connor.

Neighbors say Susan Slattery had an older step-daughter, as well. They say she and Slattery's husband were flying to Ohio Monday evening.