A fatal traffic accident claimed the life of a young Maria Stein man on Thursday afternoon in Mercer County, marking the county’s third traffic-related fatality of 2025.
According to a press release from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Trent Pleiman was pronounced dead at the scene following a devastating head-on collision on Clover Four Road, just east of Guadalupe Road in Marion Township.
The crash occurred shortly before 12:45 p.m. on Thursday. Emergency responders received a 911 call at 12:43 p.m. and were dispatched immediately to the rural intersection in central Mercer County.
Upon arrival, responders discovered a two-vehicle collision involving a 2013 Ford sedan driven by Pleiman and a 2019 Jeep SUV driven by 24-year-old Allison Bruggeman of Chickasaw.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Pleiman had been traveling eastbound on Clover Four Road when, for reasons that remain unclear, his vehicle veered left of center and entered the westbound lane. His car struck Bruggeman’s SUV head-on, resulting in severe damage to both vehicles.
Despite the efforts of first responders and emergency personnel, Pleiman succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was pronounced dead by emergency medical teams. Pleiman was a resident of Maria Stein, a close-knit community in Mercer County, where he was known among friends and family for his kind spirit and hardworking nature.
Bruggeman sustained serious injuries in the crash. She was initially transported to Mercer Health in Coldwater for emergency treatment and then transferred via CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. As of Friday morning, her condition has not been publicly released.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators have not ruled out mechanical failure, distraction, or a potential medical emergency as possible contributing factors. Toxicology reports and a full accident reconstruction are pending.
Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the Montezuma Fire Department, Coldwater Squads 7 and 10, Mercer County EMS first responders, and the Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers. Their coordinated efforts ensured a rapid response and the swift transport of the injured to appropriate medical facilities.
As news of Pleiman’s passing spread throughout the Maria Stein community, expressions of grief and condolences poured in from friends, neighbors, and family members. “Trent was just beginning his adult life,” said a family friend. “He had so much promise and was loved by everyone who knew him. This is a heartbreaking loss.”
Pleiman’s death marks yet another tragic reminder of the dangers present on rural roads, where high speeds, limited visibility, and unexpected hazards can quickly lead to catastrophe. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to exercise extra caution, remain alert behind the wheel, and avoid distractions while driving.
Community members are already rallying around the Pleiman family, offering support and comfort in the wake of their unimaginable loss. Local churches and community groups are expected to organize memorial services in the coming days to honor Trent’s life and provide a space for mourning and reflection.
As the investigation continues, officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant information to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
In the face of this sudden tragedy, Mercer County mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the full recovery of another.
