CELINA, Ohio (ADAMS) – The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that happened on Sunday.
Just before 4:30 p.m., the crash was reported at US 127 and SR 119. Deputies determined a semi was driving southbound on US 127, and a Jeep Cherokee was westbound on SR 119.
The initial investigation revealed the Jeep didn’t stop at the intersection’s stop sign and collided with the trailer of the semi.
The driver of the Jeep was killed.
The following was issued by the Sheriff’s Office:
Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reports that deputies are investigating a fatal traffic crash. Mercer County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 4:29 PM today (9-11-2022) reporting a crash at the intersection of US Rte 127 and SR 119.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Roel Villarreal, 51, Edinburg, Texas was driving a 2015 Kenworth semi Southbound on US Rte 127. A 2007 Jeep Cherokee driven by Bradley C Wendel, 33, of Coldwater was Westbound on SR 119. Wendel failed to stop for the stop sign on SR 119 at US Rte 127 and struck the trailer of the semi. Wendel was pronounced deceased at the scene. Villarreal was uninjured.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by members of the Saint Henry Fire Department, Chickasaw Fire Department, Southern Mercer County Joint Ambulance District and MCERV (Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers).
The crash remains under investigation. Once completed, the report will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
