Blue Rock Woman Killed in Head-On Crash on State Route 60; Other Driver Arrested for OVI

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A 72-year-old Blue Rock woman was killed in a head-on collision Monday afternoon in Muskingum County, and the other driver has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Troopers from the Zanesville Post responded to the crash at approximately 2:25 p.m. on Monday, July 13, on State Route 60 near milepost 10 in Wayne Township.

According to the preliminary investigation, Linda Work, 72, of Blue Rock, was driving a 2020 Buick Encore northbound on State Route 60 in the right lane. At the same time, Ruth McCollister, 50, also of Blue Rock, was traveling southbound in a 2010 Honda Odyssey.

Investigators said the Honda crossed the centerline for reasons that remain under investigation and collided head-on with the Buick.

The impact forced the Buick off the right side of the roadway, where it overturned. Linda Work suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

McCollister and a juvenile passenger in the Honda sustained minor injuries. Authorities said neither was transported by emergency medical personnel for treatment.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers observed indicators of impairment while investigating the crash. As a result, McCollister was arrested and charged with Operating a Vehicle While Impaired (OVI). Officials said additional charges are pending a review by the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office.

Following her arrest, McCollister was transported to the Muskingum County Jail, where she was incarcerated.

Multiple agencies responded to assist at the scene, including South Zanesville, Harrison Township, and Community EMS; the Duncan Falls and Wayne Township Fire Departments; the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office; the Muskingum County Coroner’s Office; the Ohio Department of Transportation; and the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional information as the investigation remains ongoing.

As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against McCollister are allegations. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.