Donald Bernard Obituary, Death – A fatal collision in Perry County is under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lancaster Post after two vehicles crashed on Saturday afternoon, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured.

The incident took place on September 27, around 3:41 p.m., along Chapel Hill Road near State Route 13 in Monroe Township. Emergency responders were dispatched quickly after reports of a severe crash involving two cars traveling in opposite directions on the same stretch of road.

According to the Highway Patrol’s initial findings, the crash involved a 2007 Nissan Altima driven by 51-year-old David Franks of Corning and a 1999 Honda Civic driven by 32-year-old Donald Bernard, also of Corning. Investigators say Bernard’s Honda was heading westbound on Chapel Hill Road when, for reasons not yet determined, it crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. The Honda then collided head-on with the Nissan.

The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles. After the collision, authorities reported that Franks’ Nissan veered off the right side of the roadway, where it came to rest. Emergency personnel arriving at the scene worked quickly to assist the drivers, but the severity of the crash left little time for Bernard.

Officials confirmed that Bernard sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Franks, meanwhile, was badly hurt but survived. He was airlifted from the site by Air Evac and transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Medical staff later listed him in stable condition, though the extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision, including whether speed, distraction, or other contributing factors played a role. Authorities have not indicated if weather or road conditions may have contributed. It remains unclear why Bernard’s vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, and further analysis will likely involve accident reconstruction specialists reviewing vehicle positions, skid marks, and other evidence at the scene.

Multiple agencies supported the Highway Patrol during the response. Local emergency teams, including Corning Fire and EMS, New Lexington Fire and EMS, and Roseville Fire and EMS, all assisted with medical treatment and securing the area. The Perry County Engineer’s Office was also present to help manage the crash site and road conditions following the accident.

Authorities expressed their gratitude for the swift coordination of first responders, which ensured that Franks was transported for advanced care as quickly as possible. Air Evac’s role in stabilizing and transferring him to Grant Medical Center was crucial, given the serious nature of his injuries.

For residents of Perry County, the incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by unexpected roadway tragedies. Community members are left mourning the sudden loss of Bernard, while Franks and his family face a long recovery process.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to remain vigilant and cautious while traveling on county and township roads, which can be narrow and challenging to navigate, especially when vehicles cross the center line. Investigators are expected to release more details as their work progresses, but for now, the focus remains on understanding what led to this deadly collision.

This crash highlights the devastating consequences that a single miscalculation or loss of control can have. As authorities continue piecing together the details, one family grieves the loss of a loved one while another hopes for recovery.