On December 29, 1995, a devastating multi-vehicle collision on State Route 2 in Ohio claimed the lives of Michael Banner, 18, and Stewart Jemison, 29. The five-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 6:35 p.m. when a tractor-trailer, operated by a fatigued driver, crossed the center line and collided head-on with five vehicles including Michael’s Mustang and Stewart’s pickup truck.
Ten others involved in the crash received treatment for various injuries including Michael’s cousin (passenger) Gary. Two victims were airlifted from the scene in critical condition.
Michael was a beloved son, brother, nephew, friend, and proud uncle. He had recently enrolled in the Job Corps and was excited to return home for Christmas break, traveling to New York to celebrate his niece’s first Christmas with family.
During this special family gathering, Michael shared joyful news – he recently learned his girlfriend was pregnant, and he was looking forward to becoming a father. Within days of sharing this news with family, his dreams were cut short by this preventable calamity. Though Michael never had the chance to meet his daughter Mikala his spirit lives on in the remarkable woman she has grown to become – a legacy he would have cherished with all his heart.