Fatal Crash South of Gnadenhutten Under Investigation
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 2, 2026) – The State Highway Patrol says one driver was killed in a two-vehicle, head-on collision along Edwards Ridge Road Southeast, south of Gnadenhutten.
Names and additional details are being withheld as the investigation continues.
The crash was reported at about 7:55 this morning. Post Sergeant Bill Bower says a southbound vehicle traveled left of center and struck an oncoming vehicle.
Bower says it appears the driver who crossed the center line died in the crash.
Both vehicles had a child passenger on board. Both children were flown to Akron Children’s Hospital for treatment. The surviving driver was taken to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital.
A crash reconstruction team responded to the scene. Troopers are working to determine why the southbound vehicle crossed the center line.
This is an early-stage investigation, and the State Highway Patrol says more information will be released as it becomes available.