Monroe Co, MI (February 16, 2026) – One person was killed, and two others were seriously hurt following a wrong-way crash on Saturday night on US-23, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the collision occurred just before 10 p.m. on northbound US-23, south of Sterns Rd. Investigators reported that an 18-year-old Dundee man was driving a pickup truck northbound in the left lane when it was struck head-on by an SUV traveling southbound in the same northbound lane.
After the impact, both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lanes of the highway. Authorities confirmed that all three occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The pickup driver, identified as Calvin A. Campbell, 18, and his 17-year-old female passenger were transported to a hospital in Toledo. Both were listed in serious condition. The SUV driver, Rhonda L. Bartnik of Ottawa Lake, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Key Details
- Location: US-23 near Sterns Rd, Monroe County
- Reported: Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 9:56 p.m.
- Type: Wrong-way head-on crash
- Fatality: One person was pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: Two individuals were hospitalized in serious condition
What We Know So Far
- An SUV was traveling southbound in the northbound left lane of US-23 when the collision occurred.
- Both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lanes following the impact.
- The injured victims were transported to a Toledo hospital for treatment.
- All occupants were wearing seatbelts, according to deputies.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The circumstances that led the SUV to travel in the wrong direction
- Whether impairment or distraction played a role
- If additional contributing factors were involved
Local Context
Highway corridors such as US-23 near Sterns Rd often carry higher speeds and heavier traffic volumes, particularly during weekend evenings. In Monroe County, responders typically move quickly to secure multiple lanes during a serious crash to reduce the risk of secondary collisions and protect both victims and emergency personnel.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries.
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from first responders.
- Take photos of vehicle damage and roadway layout if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor symptoms later and seek care if anything changes.
FAQ
Q: Why can injuries appear hours after a highway accident?
A: Some injuries, including internal trauma or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, so medical follow-up is important even if you initially feel stable.
Q: Why are highway accidents often more severe?
A: Higher speeds on highways increase the force of impact during a collision. Wrong-way crashes in particular can result in direct head-on impacts, which often lead to more serious injuries.
Q: What do responders focus on first at a highway accident scene?
A: Emergency crews prioritize medical care for injured individuals and secure the roadway to prevent additional crashes. Traffic control and scene documentation follow once safety is established.
