Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash in Putnam County Monday.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on January 27, 2025 at approximately 8:25 P.M, on State Route 15 near County Road 21 in Monroe Township, Putnam County.
A vehicle, operated by 32 year old Erica Shafer, of Continental, was traveling south on County Road 21. Shafer failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of County Road 21 and State Route 15, and struck a vehicle operated by 43 year old Kristen Stechschulte, of Cloverdale, that was traveling east on State Route 15. Both vehicles traveled off the southeast side of the roadway, and struck a utility pole, traffic sign, and junction box.
Erica Shafer was not wearing a safety belt and was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Kristen Stechschulte and two juvenile passengers were wearing safety belts, and were transported by ambulance to ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital and Mercy Health Defiance Hospital with serious injuries.
Alcohol impairment is a factor in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists not to drive impaired and to always wear a safety belt.
The crash remains under investigation.

Check Also

Faber to run for Ohio Attorney General.

Next year’s competitive elections for Ohio’s five open statewide offices ramped up further on Monday, …