Lancaster, OH (September 4, 2025) – A devastating two-vehicle crash in Perry County claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman and left two others, including a child, hospitalized on Monday afternoon. The collision occurred along Tatmans Rd, just north of Ohio 37, drawing a swift response from local law enforcement and medical teams.
Initial reports indicate that a Nissan Rogue, driven by Elma Robison of Corning, was traveling southbound on Tatmans Rd when it crossed the centerline and struck a Chevrolet Traverse headed in the opposite direction. The Traverse was operated by Alaina Patterson, 34, of Crooksville.
First on scene, paramedics and fire crews quickly assessed and stabilized the injured. Both drivers sustained a variety of injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. A juvenile passenger riding with Patterson was airlifted to a Columbus facility for further evaluation and treatment. Robison was also later transferred to Columbus, where she unfortunately died as a result of her injuries.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lancaster post, the crash was reported around 4:23 p.m. on September 2. Investigators are now working to determine what caused Robison’s vehicle to drift out of its lane. No additional details have been released regarding road conditions or possible contributing factors.
Our thoughts remain with the families impacted by this tragic event, especially those mourning the loss of Ms. Robison. We also extend our deepest hopes for a full recovery to those injured in the crash.
Head-On Crashes in Ohio
Serious head-on collisions like the one that occurred on Tatmans Rd serve as stark reminders of how quickly lives can be changed on Ohio’s roadways. These types of accidents are particularly deadly, especially on rural, undivided roads where visibility and response times may be limited.
The collision involving Elma Robison and Alaina Patterson is indicative of a broader safety challenge in parts of Perry County. Many of the roads in this area, including Tatmans Rd, lack centerline barriers or advanced warning systems that can help reduce lane-departure crashes. Without physical separation between lanes, the risk of fatal head-on impacts increases significantly.
In this case, the involvement of both adult and child occupants highlights how multi-generational households are often affected in a single incident. While investigators work to identify the cause—be it driver distraction, a sudden health emergency, or another factor—the community is left to grapple with the consequences.
Ohio drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly on narrow two-lane routes. Staying centered, avoiding distractions, and driving at safe speeds remain some of the most effective ways to prevent cross-over collisions. Additionally, for communities like Crooksville and Corning, improved infrastructure and increased awareness campaigns could help reduce tragic outcomes in the future.
In the aftermath of a traumatic accident, families are often left navigating complex medical decisions, financial hardship, and emotional recovery. Knowing where to find help—whether through legal, medical, or psychological support—can be crucial to moving forward.
If someone you love has been injured or lost in a serious Ohio crash, Local Accident Reports can connect you with the resources and guidance needed to begin healing. Our network is here to provide clarity, direction, and support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Reach out to Local Accident Reports today to take the first step toward recovery and justice.