CELINA, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reported today that his office is investigating the sixth fatal traffic crash, that resulted in the tenth traffic fatality for 2012. Mercer County 9-1-1 received a call, transferred from Auglaize County 9-1-1 at 12:48 PM today about the crash that occurred on Clover Four Road at the intersection of Harrison Road in Franklin Township.
The investigation revealed that Joshua S. Wendel, 16, 302 Wiggs Street, Fort Recovery was driving a 2007 Ford Truck, owned by Shockman Lumber, St. Henry, westbound on Clover Four Road. Johnathon K. Geiger, 24, 49 ½ W. Franklin Street, Chickasaw, was riding a 1980 Kawasaki Motorcycle eastbound on Clover Four Road.
Wendel attempted a left turn onto Harrison Road, turning in front of the Geiger motorcycle. Geiger, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the right front corner of the Shockman Lumber Company truck.
Wendel was not injured in the crash. Geiger was taken to Mercer Health by the Coldwater Branch of the Mercer County Emergency Ambulance Service, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Montezuma Fire Department and Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers.
