Two drivers traveling on Coonpath Road in Lancaster called 911 on Sept. 19.  One caller reported hitting something in the road and feared it might be a person.  The other called to report horses in the road, 10TV's Maureen Kocot reported.

Dispatchers said they thought the two calls were related.  They said they'd send a deputy to check the scene, but no deputy was sent.

A highway patrol trooper traveling on the same road hours later discovered a disabled pick up truck on the side of the road.  Near the truck, he found the body of Susan Blade, 27.  Investigators later said they believed she was struck in the road when her truck ran out of gas.

The sheriff told 10TV that the calls should not have gone unanswered.

"Unfortunately the dispatcher should have sent a car to where there was a report of possibly someone struck and it was a mistake and we feel bad for the family and we hate it when any tragedy happens," Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said.

The two dispatchers on duty did receive reprimands.

The highway patrol was investigating the incident.

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