WHITEFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A tragic head-on collision on northbound US-23 Saturday night has claimed the life of a 60-year-old woman and left two teenagers seriously injured. Troy Goodnough confirmed the fatal crash occurred just south of Sterns Road at approximately 9:56 p.m. on February 14, 2026.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary findings show that 18-year-old Calvin A. Campbell of Dundee was driving a gray 2023 Ford F-150 northbound in the left lane. A 17-year-old female passenger, also from Dundee, was seated in the front passenger seat. As they traveled along US-23, their truck was struck head-on by a blue 2017 Ford Escape.
Investigators say the Ford Escape, driven by 60-year-old Rhonda L. Bartnik of Ottawa Lake, was traveling southbound but had entered the northbound left lane of traffic. The vehicles collided violently, and both came to rest in the northbound left lane following the crash. Authorities confirmed that all three individuals involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene to provide aid. Campbell and his teenage passenger were transported to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, where they were listed in serious condition. Despite lifesaving efforts, Bartnik was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash has left families in multiple communities grieving and searching for answers.
Officials say careless driving has been identified as a contributing factor in the deadly crash, though the investigation remains ongoing. Members of the Whiteford Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit and Chaplain Program assisted at the scene, offering both emergency response and emotional support.
The crash continues to be investigated by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and deputies with the Traffic Services Division. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 734-240-7541. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
