Two-vehicle injury crash on US Route 127 in Mercer County

Wapakoneta - The Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred on July 4, 2025 at approximately 12:00 p.m. in Mercer County, Ohio. The crash occurred on US Route 127 at the intersection of State Route 219.

Joseph J. Homan, age 62, of Coldwater, Ohio was operating a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country. Brian D. Hess, age 40, of Maria Stein, Ohio was operating a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. Hudson Hess, age 7, and Paxton Hess, age 2, both of Maria Stein, Ohio were passengers in the Chevrolet.

The preliminary investigation indicates the Chrysler was eastbound on State Route 219 and the Chevrolet was northbound on US Route 127. The Chrysler failed to stop for a red traffic signal light at the intersection and struck the Chevrolet. The Chrysler then slid off of the right side of US Route 127 and struck a utility pole. The Chevrolet came to rest on US Route 127.

Homan was not wearing a safety belt. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mercer County Community Hospital by Mercer County EMS. Homan was later transported to Saint Rita's Medical Center by Lutheran Air.

Hess was wearing a safety belt. Hudson Hess was secured in a booster seat and Paxton Hess was secured in a child restraint system. All of the occupants in the Chevrolet were transported to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital by Mercer County EMS.

The Mercer County Sheriff's Office, Coldwater Fire Department, Lakeshore Auto Towing, and Nelson's Towing also 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 Highway Patrol.