Ripley Township – A double fatal crash involving a motorcycle occurred on June 13, 2026, at approximately 3:33 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 226 and County Road 51 in Holmes County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a gray 2015 Chrysler Town & Country was traveling southbound on County Road 149 when it failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign. The vehicle proceeded into the intersection and struck a gray 2024 Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was traveling eastbound on State Route 226.
The impact caused the motorcycle to veer into a yard, rolling onto its left side and ejecting the riders. Mark C. Sweany, 54, of Massillon, Ohio, who was operating the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Michelle M. Sweany, 52, also of Massillon, was critically injured and later died at Summa Health Center in Akron.
Amara J. Higgs, 18, of Norton, Ohio, was driving the Chrysler and reported no injuries; a juvenile passenger was also unharmed. The investigation is ongoing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Shreve Police Department, Western Holmes Fire and EMS, MedFlight, Holmes County Coroner’s Office, and Rigz Towing.