Howard was attempting to walk across East National Road near Walmart around 10 p.m. when a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by Jessica Brougher, 27, of London, struck her.
Charges have not been filed. Sgt. Brian Radanovich was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
According to reports, Brougher was on her way back to London after playing billiards in Springfield, where she admitted drinking one White Russian cocktail.
Brougher told police Howard “came out of nowhere.” After calling 911, Brougher tried to perform CPR on Howard several times. Brougher was taken to the police station, where a urine test was administered. A passenger, Chris Lehman, 37, also said in a statement the pedestrian came out of nowhere.
Howard worked at the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services for 28 years.
“Holly was a loyal friend and a happy and cheerful person who put others first,” said Benjamin Johnson, a spokesman for Jobs and Family Services. “She was a dedicated public servant and was passionate about her work. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
She was also a former cheerleading adviser at Northeastern High School.
Howard is survived by several relatives, including three children: daughters Hillary and Hope Hensley and son, Luke Hensley.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Jackson, Lytle and Lewis Funeral Home, Springfield.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365.
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