It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of Diane McElfresh, 73, of Gratiot, who lost her life in a fatal three-vehicle crash on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Hopewell Township, Muskingum County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. on US 40 near Chapel Hill Road. Diane was a passenger in a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Kathryn Bollinger, 74, of Zanesville. The Malibu struck a 2015 Honda Accord operated by Gage Summers, 22, of Coshocton, which had stopped on US 40 attempting to make a left turn into a private driveway. Authorities reported that Bollinger then crossed left of center and collided with a 2014 Honda Odyssey operated by Samantha Mellott, 38, of Zanesville. Diane McElfresh was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Diane will be remembered by family, friends, and her community as a loving, kind, and generous woman whose warmth and compassion touched everyone she met. Her passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished by her loved ones.
Assisting at the scene were Falls Township Fire and EMS, Genesis Community Ambulance, Zanesville Fire and EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation. The crash remains under investigation.
Though her life was tragically cut short, Diane’s legacy of kindness, care, and devotion to her family and friends will endure. Her loved ones are asked to keep Diane’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Diane McElfresh will be deeply missed but fondly remembered, and her life and the love she shared will continue to inspire all who knew her.
