CELINA, Ohio (WLIO) — A 28-year-old pedestrian was killed early Saturday morning after being struck by a semi on U.S. 127 in Mercer County.
Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman said Brendan McKinney, of Celina, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred just north of Celina around 3 a.m.
During the investigation, deputies determined McKinney was walking toward the middle of the roadway when he was struck by a semi driven by a Fort Wayne man.
The crash remains under investigation, and the case will be presented to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for further review.
Media Release from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman reports that his office is investigating a fatal semi / pedestrian crash that occurred this morning, December 13th, 2025. Mercer County Central Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call at 3:14 AM of a traffic crash on U.S. Route 127, just north of the City of Celina in Jefferson Township.
The investigation revealed that Brendan S Mckinney (28) of Celina, OH was walking on Us Rte 127, near the middle of the roadway, when he was struck by a southbound 2023 blue International semi-tractor and trailer. The driver of the semi was Rodolfo R Garcia (52) of Fort Wayne, IN who was uninjured. Mckinney was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Celina Fire Department, Celina EMS, Celina Police Department, ODOT, and MCERV.
This crash remains under investigation at this time and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
