Head-On Collision on Ohio State Route 60 Claims Lives of Adam Cornelison, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Brooklyn Stanley

 The Muskingum County, Ohio, community is grieving after a tragic head-on collision on State Route 60 claimed the lives of three individuals on February 14, 2026. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:08 p.m. in Wayne Township when 18-year-old Adam Cornelison of Duncan Falls was driving a 2010 Mercury Milan southbound and crossed left of center, striking a northbound 2025 Honda CR-V driven by 53-year-old Bradley Stanley of Newark. Cornelison, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Passengers in Stanley’s vehicle, 29-year-old Mackenzie Lawrence and 22-year-old Brooklyn Stanley, both residents of Newark, were transported to Genesis Hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries. Bradley Stanley’s condition has not been publicly released. First responders from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and local fire and EMS units from Harrison Township, Zanesville, and Duncan Falls assisted at the scene, highlighting the severity of the accident and the immediate response required.

The crash has sent shockwaves through the communities of Newark and Duncan Falls. Friends, neighbors, and local officials are mourning the loss of three lives in what has been described as a devastating and sudden tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine contributing factors and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Both female victims, Mackenzie Lawrence and Brooklyn Stanley, were sisters, amplifying the heartbreak for family, friends, and the broader community. A mass to honor their lives is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Church, with burial to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Newark. Community members are expected to gather in solidarity to celebrate their lives and offer support to grieving relatives.

Residents and loved ones have shared memories of the victims as kind, vibrant individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers on Ohio’s roadways, emphasizing the importance of caution, seatbelt use, and attentive driving, especially on busy state routes.

As Newark and Duncan Falls communities come together in mourning, focus remains on supporting the families affected, providing emotional and practical assistance, and honoring the memories of those lost. The tragedy has left a lasting mark on the region, and the legacy of the victims will be remembered through their families, friends, and the communities they touched.