Zanesville, OH (July 15, 2026) – A 72-year-old Blue Rock woman died on Monday afternoon, July 13, following a head-on collision on State Route 60 near mile marker 10 in Wayne Township.
Linda Work was driving a Buick northbound when a southbound vehicle crossed the center line and struck her car. The Buick then left the right side of the roadway and overturned. Work was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other driver, identified as 50-year-old Ruth McCollister of Blue Rock, and a child passenger had minor injuries. Neither was taken to a hospital by emergency units.
Troopers reported observing signs of impairment and arrested McCollister on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired. She was booked into the Muskingum County Jail, and additional charges remain under review.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Linda Work’s family and friends during this difficult loss.
How Center-Line Crossings Can Lead to Deadly Roadway Encounters
Vehicles traveling in opposite directions can meet with substantial force when one enters the oncoming lane. Drivers may have only seconds to recognize the danger, brake, or steer toward the shoulder.
A direct strike can also cause a vehicle to leave the pavement or overturn. Rollover motion exposes occupants to repeated forces as the car rotates and comes to a stop, increasing the risk of fatal injury.
A detailed review may include lane markings, tire tracks, vehicle damage, final stopping positions, and electronic data. Road width, visibility, traffic flow, and nearby video can also help clarify each vehicle’s path. When possible impairment is suspected, testing and observations recorded shortly afterward may provide further context about the driver’s ability to react and maintain control.
