Press Release:        

Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred August 31, 2025.  Mercer County Central Dispatch received 9-1-1 calls at 5:24 PM of a traffic crash on US Route 127 at State Route 274.

The investigation revealed that Roger Brockman (Age 70) of Coldwater Ohio, was traveling south bound on US Route 127 and was attempting to turn east on State Route 274 in a 2010 Ford truck.  Timothy Betts (Age 45) of Ada Ohio was also traveling south bound on US Route 127 and attempted to pass several cars in a clearly marked no passing zone.  Betts was operating a 2016 Harley Davidson at the time and collided with Brockman as Brockman was making the turn.  Betts was ejected off the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet.  Betts was transported to Mercer Health in Coldwater where he was pronounced deceased.  This would be the fourth recorded fatal crash in Mercer County this year.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Chickasaw Fire Department, St. Henry Squad, and MCERV.

This crash remains under investigation at this time and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.