Three people lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, along State Route 60 in Wayne Township, Muskingum County, Ohio. The collision happened at approximately 3:08 p.m., according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a 2010 Mercury Milan driven by 18-year-old Adam Cornelison of Duncan Falls and a 2025 Honda CR-V operated by 53-year-old Bradley Stanley of Newark. Authorities reported that Cornelison was traveling southbound when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with the northbound Honda.
The impact of the crash was severe. Cornelison, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene. The force of the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles and prompted a rapid emergency response. Bradley Stanley, the driver of the Honda, survived the crash and was treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening. However, the two passengers in his vehicle, 29-year-old Mackenzie Lawrence and 22-year-old Brooklyn Stanley, both of Newark, were critically injured.
Lawrence and Brooklyn Stanley were transported to Genesis Hospital in Zanesville for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, both women succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. The loss of life in this crash has deeply affected the Newark and Duncan Falls communities, where the victims were known and loved. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether speed, distraction, or other factors contributed to the collision.
The crash occurred on a rural stretch of SR 60, a two-lane highway that runs through central Ohio and is known for its winding curves and limited shoulders. Local residents have expressed concern over the safety of the roadway, particularly in areas where visibility is reduced and traffic volumes can be unpredictable. Saturday’s crash has reignited discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures along this corridor.
Adam Cornelison, a recent high school graduate, was described by friends and family as a bright and energetic young man with a passion for cars and mechanics. Mackenzie Lawrence and Brooklyn Stanley were remembered as vibrant and compassionate individuals who brought warmth to those around them. Their sudden and tragic deaths have left a lasting void in the lives of their loved ones and the broader community.
As the investigation continues, the Ohio State Highway Patrol urges all drivers to remain vigilant, wear seatbelts, and exercise caution, especially on rural roads. The heartbreaking loss of Adam Cornelison, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Brooklyn Stanley serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment on the road.
