Head-On Crash Involving Car and Semi in Putnam County Claims Two Lives

Lima – On October 20, 2026, at approximately 8:18 A.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a passenger car and commercial semi on State Route 613 in Van Buren Township, Putnam County. 

Lyle St. Clair Jr., age 45, from West Millgrove, Ohio was westbound on State Route 613 driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Christopher Clements, age 47, from Findlay, Ohio was eastbound on State Route 613 driving a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia semi. Mr. St. Clair traveled left of center and struck Mr. Clements in a head-on collision. Mr. St. Clair and his passenger Adam L. Koebel, age 43, from Leipsic, Ohio were pronounced deceased on scene.

State Route 613 will remain closed until the Ohio Department of Transportation finishes repairs to the roadway.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Leipsic Fire Department, Putnam County EMS, Ed’s 24-hour service, Dick’s Towing Service, Portage EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, and Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home. 

The crash remains under investigation.  The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists not to drive distracted and to always wear a properly adjusted safety belt.