5th 2012 Mercer County fatality occurs

CELINA — Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reported that deputies are investigating the fifth fatal traffic crash and the ninth traffic fatality in Mercer County since January 23.

Mercer County Central Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call at 2:07 p.m. Monday of an injury crash near the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.

The investigation revealed that Matthias J. Pearson, 50, of Celina was the driver and sole occupant of a 1995 Pontiac travelling east on Ohio 29.  Willie Antuan Brown, 28, of DuPont, Wash., was the driver and sole occupant of a 2010 International semi tractor, without a trailer, headed west on Ohio 29, just west of Fleetfoot Road.

Witnesses to the crash said Pearson’s vehicle was driving erratically and then veered left of center striking the semi in the left side fuel tank.

Both Pearson and Brown were transported to Mercer Health by the Mercer County Emergency Squad Service out of Celina, and Pearson was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by PUCO, MCERV and Celina Fire Department.