Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigates Deadly U.S. Route 62 Collision That Killed Cole Scholey and Kelly Kemp
Cole Scholey, 21, and Kelly Kemp, 56, died in a head-on crash on U.S. Route 62 in Perry Township as investigation continues ongoing
A quiet Saturday morning in Perry Township turned into a scene of heartbreak after a violent head-on collision along U.S. Route 62 claimed the lives of two Ohio residents and left a child seriously injured. The devastating crash has shaken multiple communities as families now face the painful reality of lives lost far too soon.
Authorities identified the victims as 21-year-old Cole Scholey of Beach City and 56-year-old Kelly Kemp of Massillon. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred around 7:15 a.m. near milepost 11 on U.S. Route 62, a stretch of roadway now marked by tragedy and grief.
Investigators said Scholey was driving a 2019 Ford Ranger northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the pickup crossed left of center and entered the southbound lane. Troopers reported that the Ford then collided head-on with a 2021 Honda Odyssey driven by Kemp. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles, leaving emergency responders facing a devastating scene upon arrival.
Kelly Kemp suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cole Scholey was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital as medical teams worked to save his life, but authorities later confirmed he died from injuries sustained in the collision. The sudden loss of both drivers has left loved ones grieving unimaginable heartbreak as communities struggle to process the tragedy.
Officials also confirmed that a juvenile passenger riding inside Kemp’s vehicle survived the crash but suffered serious injuries. The child was transported to Aultman Hospital for emergency treatment. Many in the community have expressed concern and prayers for the young survivor as recovery efforts continue following the traumatic collision.
Troopers investigating the crash said neither driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the impact. Authorities also noted that speed is believed to have played a role in the collision, though investigators are still working to fully reconstruct the moments leading up to the deadly crash. Evidence gathered from the roadway, vehicle damage, and witness accounts will all help determine exactly what happened that morning.
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions along U.S. Route 62 for several hours as emergency crews assisted victims and investigators documented the scene. For passing motorists and nearby residents, the aftermath served as another painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. Fatal head-on collisions remain among the most dangerous types of crashes due to the extreme force created when vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide.
As the investigation continues, family members and friends are remembering Cole Scholey and Kelly Kemp not for the tragedy itself, but for the lives they lived and the people they meant to those around them. Two families are now mourning loved ones whose futures ended in a single tragic moment, while a young survivor continues the difficult road to recovery. The heartbreak left behind in Perry Township will not soon be forgotten.
