MOUNT GILEAD — A 23-year-old Johnstown man lost his life following a motor vehicle accident Wednesday on Ohio 13 at Murray Road, south of Mount Vernon.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal traffic crash that occurred at approximately 12:32 p.m.

The OSHP reports that Keith M. Homstad Jr., 23, of Johnstown, sustained fatal injuries as a front seat passenger in a 1992 Honda Accord that struck a 2008 GMC Yukon Denali driven by Ryan M. Thogmartin, 27, of Zanesville. The Honda Accord was driven by Megan J. Peterson, 18, of Mount Vernon.

The crash occurred as Peterson was driving south on Ohio 13 and began to skid as she attempted to avoid striking a vehicle that was slowing in front of her to make a left turn onto Murray Road. Peterson then swerved completely left of center and passed the slowing vehicle only to strike Thogmartin’s vehicle head-on in the intersection of Ohio 13 and Murray Road.

Despite the use of seatbelts by Homstad and Peterson, both were entrapped and Homstad was pronounced dead at the scene by Knox County Coroner’s Investigator Linda Green. Thogmartin sustained severe leg injuries and was not restrained. Both Peterson and Thogmartin were transported by helicopter to OSU Medical Center in Columbus for their severe injuries. Alcohol or drugs are an unknown factor for both drivers and the crash remains under investigation.

Thogmartin remains in serious condition this morning while Peterson’s condition is listed as fair.