Press Release:

          Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman reports that his office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred this evening, January 14, 2025.  Mercer County Central Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call at 5:49 PM of a traffic crash on St Rte 707, west of Wabash Rd in Blackcreek Township.

The investigation revealed that Anthony G Cole (47) of Celina, OH was driving a 2011 gray Chevy passenger van, traveling eastbound on St Rte 707.  Todd E Lotter (56) of Berne, IN was driving a 2015 blue Peterbilt semi-tractor and gooseneck trailer, traveling westbound on St Rte 707.  For an unknown reason, Cole traveled left of center, striking Lotter.  Mr. Cole was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Assisting at the scene were members of the Rockford Fire Department, Chatt Fire Department, Rockford EMS, and MCERV.      

The crash remains under investigation at this time and will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.  This would be the first fatal traffic crash in Mercer County for 2025.