ALLEN COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) - One man is dead after being struck by a vehicle in rural Allen County early Thursday morning.
The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol says that troopers were called to the scene on Napoleon Road near State Route 81 just after 4:30 AM.
An investigation showed that a pickup truck was headed northbound on Napoleon when it struck a pedestrian in the northbound lane. The pedestrian, 40-year-old Cody Gear of Elida, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, 81-year-old Merl Hall of Lafayette, was not injured in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation. The state patrol also reminds pedestrians who use rural roadways after dark should wear reflective clothing to improve visibility.
October 9, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lima Post:
LIMA, Ohio – The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle in Jackson Township, Allen County. The crash occurred on Napoleon Road, near State Route 81 at approximately 4:32 a.m. this morning.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north on Napoleon Road when it struck a pedestrian that was in the northbound lane. The Chevrolet Silverado was operated by Merl Hall, age 81, of Lafayette, Ohio. Mr. Hall was not injured in the crash.
The pedestrian was identified as Cody Gear, age 40, of Elida, Ohio. Mr. Gear was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital by Lafayette Township EMS, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Lafayette Township Fire Department and EMS, and T&H Towing.
This crash remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol wants to remind any pedestrians who choose to use rural roadways after sunset to wear reflective material for enhanced visibility.
