Wayne County Man Passes After Two-Vehicle Crash on Harrison Road
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of Mervin D. Troyer, 61, of Fredericksburg, Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025. The collision occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Harrison Road, about two miles east of Nonpariel Road in Franklin Township, Wayne County.
According to OSHP’s initial report, the crash involved a white 2012 Ford van and a gray Magnum Nomad E-bike. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Harrison Road when the van struck the E-bike from behind. The impact caused Troyer, who was operating the E-bike, to be ejected from his ride and come to rest in the roadway. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the van has been identified as 19-year-old Luke S. Schonauer of Millersburg. Schonauer was wearing his seatbelt and did not sustain injuries in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to analyze data and witness statements to determine what led to the collision.
Emergency responders, including Fredericksburg Fire & EMS, Metro Lifeflight, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Mervin D. Troyer was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Friends and family describe Troyer as a hardworking, kind, and deeply respected member of the Fredericksburg community. Known for his strong work ethic and quiet generosity, he was a familiar face to many and often seen riding his E-bike through town or visiting neighbors. His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him.
As part of the ongoing investigation, OSHP is focusing on several key factors, including vehicle positioning, road conditions, speed, and visibility at the time of the crash. Officials are reviewing whether environmental elements, such as sun glare or blind spots, could have played a role. Authorities are also asking for any witnesses or motorists who may have dash-cam footage of the area near Harrison Road and Nonpariel Road around 3 p.m. to come forward.
At this stage, there is no evidence that alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident, and both vehicles appeared to be mechanically sound. The section of Harrison Road where the crash occurred is a narrow, two-lane stretch typical of rural Wayne County, with limited shoulders and little room for cyclists or e-bike riders. Local safety advocates have pointed out that such conditions often heighten risks for smaller vehicles sharing the road with larger, faster traffic.
Following the incident, community members have begun organizing a roadside memorial for Troyer, placing flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at the crash site. Local churches and civic groups in Fredericksburg are planning a vigil in his memory, with clergy offering counseling and comfort to his grieving family.
Officials from Wayne County’s transportation and safety departments have announced that they will review the area’s road design, signage, and lighting to assess whether safety improvements could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is expected to release a full autopsy and toxicology report in the coming weeks, which will establish the official cause and manner of death.
For now, Franklin Township and the surrounding communities are united in grief. Mervin D. Troyer’s sudden passing serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists and e-bike riders on rural roads, emphasizing the need for greater driver awareness, visibility, and caution. His family and friends will remember him not only for his warmth and faith but also for the legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind.
