Bethlehem Township, OH (May 27, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision claimed the life of a 28-year-old Coshocton man on Monday afternoon at the intersection of State Route 21 and State Route 212 in Stark County. Troopers said the Ford Escape he was driving stopped at a sign before attempting to turn left onto SR-21 as a northbound Chevy Silverado pulling a trailer approached the junction.
Investigators said the Silverado swerved before striking the SUV on its left side. Both vehicles traveled off the roadway, and the Ford later struck a traffic sign. Emergency units arrived shortly before 3 p.m.
Alex McPeak was flown to Summa Health System — Akron Campus, where he later died. A passenger riding in the Ford was taken to Mercy Hospital. The 19-year-old woman driving the Silverado, who is from Doylestown, was not hurt, though a passenger in her pickup was also taken to Mercy Hospital. Troopers stated that alcohol was not believed to be involved, and everyone inside both vehicles had been wearing seat belts.
Investigators are still working to determine the full sequence leading up to the crash. We extend heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones mourning this loss.
Why Left Turns at High-Speed Intersections Can Be Dangerous
Left-turn movements at busy highway intersections often carry a higher risk of severe roadway injuries. Drivers making a turn must judge the speed and distance of approaching traffic while also watching for signs, trailers, and changing traffic flow. Even a minor timing error can place vehicles directly in the path of oncoming traffic.
Pickup trucks pulling trailers may also need more distance to slow down or change direction safely. Larger setups can become harder to control during sudden maneuvers, especially near intersections with fast-moving traffic. Seat belts remain one of the most effective safety measures during these moments because they help reduce the chance of being thrown around inside a vehicle. Medical transport by helicopter is sometimes used when a person needs rapid treatment at a specialized trauma center farther from the roadway.
