WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WLIO) - A Celina motorcyclist was killed in a Tuesday night crash in Auglaize County.
The Wapakoneta Post of the Highway Patrol said 24-year-old Riley Bradford died from injuries sustained in the crash, which happened just before 9 p.m. on U.S. 33, just west of Moulton Fort Amanda Road.
Troopers said Bradford was traveling west when he failed to maintain a clear distance and struck the back of a Jeep driven by 55-year-old Michael Reichert of Van Wert. Bradford was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reichert and his passenger were not injured. The crash remains under investigation.
Media release from the Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Wapakoneta Post investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on US Route 33 in Auglaize County.
Wapakoneta – The Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on September 30, 2025, at approximately 8:59 p.m. in Auglaize County, Ohio. The crash occurred on US Route 33 westbound, west of the Moulton Fort Amanda Road off ramp.
Riley A. Bradford, age 24, of Celina, Ohio was operating a 2004 Yamaha XVS650 motorcycle. Michael C. Reichert, age 55, of Van Wert, Ohio was operating a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. Jody L. Mahlie, age 56, of Middle Point, Ohio was a passenger in the Jeep.
The preliminary investigation indicates the Jeep and Yamaha were westbound on US Route 33 in the right lane. The Yamaha failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead, struck the Jeep in the rear, and overturned.
Bradford was not wearing a helmet. He succumbed to fatal injuries on scene. No other injuries were reported.
The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Mary’s EMS, Buckland Fire Department, Auglaize County Coroner, Cisco Funeral Home, and Midway Towing responded to the crash.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
