Motorcyclist dies in Mercer County crash

Mercer County information

CELINA — Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reported Friday that his office is investigating its sixth fatal traffic crash resulting in the 10th traffic fatality for 2012.  Mercer County 9-1-1 received a call, transferred from Auglaize County 9-1-1, at 12:48 p.m. Friday about the crash, which occurred on Clover Four Road at the intersection of Harrison Road in Franklin Township.

The investigation revealed that Joshua S. Wendel, 16, of Fort Recovery, was driving a 2007 Ford truck owned by Shockman Lumber in St. Henry west on Clover Four Road, while Johnathon K. Geiger, 24, of Chickasaw, was riding a 1980 Kawasaki motorcycle east on Clover Four Road.

Wendel turned left in front of Geiger’s motorcycle and Geiger, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the right front corner of the lumber company truck.

Wendel was not injured in the crash, while Geiger was taken to Mercer Health by the Coldwater Branch of the Mercer County Emergency Ambulance Service, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Montezuma Fire Department and Mercer County Emergency Response volunteers.