Two people remain hospitalized after a double fatal crash on Ohio 13 Thursday morning.

Gary A. Coleman Jr., 29, of Stockport, is in serious condition, and Jackie L. Genske, 42, of New Lexington, is in critical condition at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

Franklin R. Merckle, 24, and his front-seat passenger, Jeremy A. Penrod, 25, both of New Lexington, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Perry County coroner. Neither were wearing seat belts.

According to the Lancaster Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:05 a.m. on Ohio 13 in Perry County, near Stone Quarry Road. Law enforcement thinks Merckle, driving at 2003 Kia Sorento, was southbound on Ohio 13 when he went left of center, striking a northbound 1997 Chevrolet van driving by Coleman Jr. Genske was a passenger in Coleman's vehicle, as was Jeremy W. Coleman, 25, of Stockport. He was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries; however, the hospital had no information on him Thursday night.

Neither Jeremy Coleman nor Genske were wearing seat belts.

Penrod was employed as a factory worker for Hirschvogel Inc., of Columbus. He was born in Zanesville to Arthur and Arlene Baker Penrod, of New Lexington. He is survived by his fiancée Savannah Morgan, of the home, and a 3-month old son, Memphis Penrod.

Calling hours for Penrod will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Roberts Funeral Home, 304 Mill St., New Lexington. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Larry Ruh officiating.