PRESS RELEASE – 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 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Erica Shafer, age 32, of Continental, Ohio was traveling south on County Road 21.
A 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Kristen Stechschulte, age 43, of Cloverdale, Ohio, was traveling east on State Route 15.
Shafer failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of County Road 21 and State Route 15 and struck the Chevrolet Suburban.
Both vehicles traveled off the southeast side of the roadway, and struck a utility pole, traffic sign, and junction box.
Shafer was not wearing a safety belt and was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. 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 injury.
Lima Post Troopers were assisted at the crash scene by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County EMS, Kalida EMS, Continental Fire Department, Continental Police Department, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Paulding-Putnam Electric Co-op, and 419 Towing. The intersection was closed for approximately two hours.
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.