Fredericksburg Man Passes After Collision on Harrison Road in Franklin Township
In the quiet community of Franklin Township, Wayne County, Ohio, tragedy struck on Wednesday, November 5, when Mervin D. Troyer, 61, of Fredericksburg, passed away following a collision while riding his E-bike along Harrison Road. The accident has left the close-knit community grieving the sudden loss of a well-respected and beloved local resident.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post, the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. when a white 2012 Ford van, driven by Luke S. Schonauer, 19, of Millersburg, struck Mr. Troyer’s E-bike from behind as both were traveling east on Harrison Road, about two miles east of Nonpariel Road. The collision took place on a clear afternoon, with dry road conditions reported at the time.
Mr. Troyer was operating a gray Magnum Nomad E-bike and, according to investigators, was not wearing a helmet. The force of the impact ejected him from the E-bike, and he came to rest in the roadway. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, Mr. Troyer was pronounced dead at the scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
The driver, Luke Schonauer, was wearing a seatbelt and did not suffer any injuries. He remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement as the investigation began. Authorities have stated that alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors in the collision, though a full investigation remains ongoing.
Emergency responders from Fredericksburg Fire and EMS, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Lifeflight, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol all arrived within minutes of the crash. Harrison Road was temporarily closed for several hours while officers documented the scene, collected evidence, and cleared debris. Traffic was rerouted as a precaution.
Victim and Community Response
Mervin D. Troyer was a lifelong resident of Fredericksburg, known by many as a kind-hearted and hardworking man who loved the outdoors. Friends and family recall his friendly smile, calm nature, and willingness to help others. He was often seen riding his E-bike through town, enjoying the open countryside and greeting neighbors along his route.
Mr. Troyer is survived by his family members and close friends, who describe his passing as a tremendous loss to the Fredericksburg and Franklin Township communities. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by a local funeral home in the coming days.
Residents have expressed an outpouring of grief and support online, with many emphasizing how careful and safety-minded Mr. Troyer always was. Local leaders have extended their condolences to the family and have urged the public to stay vigilant on rural roads where cyclists and drivers share space.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the exact cause of the collision. Officers are reviewing the speed and position of both vehicles, potential sightline obstructions, and whether any additional safety measures could have prevented the tragedy. Preliminary reports indicate no mechanical failure in either vehicle.
Officials have also highlighted the importance of helmet use and visibility gear for E-bike riders, especially in rural areas with limited shoulders or lighting. While the circumstances surrounding Mr. Troyer’s passing remain under review, the incident has reignited conversations in the community about improving safety for cyclists and electric bike users across Wayne County.
A Community in Mourning
As Franklin Township and Fredericksburg mourn, neighbors have begun setting up a small memorial near the site of the crash, with flowers and candles placed along the roadside in Mr. Troyer’s memory. For many, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of compassion and care on the road.
Mr. Troyer’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him — a man remembered for his warmth, his faith, and his quiet strength that touched everyone around him.