3 killed in head-on crash on State Route 60 in Muskingum County

Collision between a Mercury Milan and Honda CR-V leaves three dead

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

A two-vehicle collision on State Route 60 in Wayne Township, Muskingum County, Ohio has resulted in three fatalities. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Adam Cornelison of Duncan Falls was driving a 2010 Mercury Milan southbound when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2025 Honda CR-V operated by 53-year-old Bradley Stanley of Newark. Cornelison was pronounced dead at the scene, while two passengers in the Honda, 29-year-old Mackenzie Lawrence and 22-year-old Brooklyn Stanley, both of Newark, were transported to Genesis Hospital where they later died from their injuries.

Why it matters

Head-on collisions are among the most deadly types of car crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. This incident on a rural state highway highlights the importance of safe driving practices, such as staying alert, avoiding distractions, and wearing seatbelts, to prevent such tragic outcomes.

The details

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 3 p.m. on Saturday in Wayne Township. Investigators report that 18-year-old Adam Cornelison was driving a 2010 Mercury Milan southbound when his vehicle traveled left of center and struck the northbound 2025 Honda CR-V operated by 53-year-old Bradley Stanley. Cornelison was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Highway Patrol noted he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the impact. Two passengers in the Honda CR-V, 29-year-old Mackenzie Lawrence and 22-year-old Brooklyn Stanley, both of Newark, were transported to Genesis Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.

  • The crash occurred just after 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Adam Cornelison

An 18-year-old resident of Duncan Falls, Ohio who was driving the 2010 Mercury Milan involved in the head-on collision.

Bradley Stanley

A 53-year-old resident of Newark, Ohio who was operating the 2025 Honda CR-V that was struck by Cornelison's vehicle.

Mackenzie Lawrence

A 29-year-old passenger in the Honda CR-V who was killed in the crash.

Brooklyn Stanley

A 22-year-old passenger in the Honda CR-V who was killed in the crash.

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What’s next

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic head-on collision on State Route 60 serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, such as staying alert, avoiding distractions, and wearing seatbelts, to prevent such devastating outcomes on our roads.