Lester Merkle dies in fatal Steuben County, Indiana head-on crash
Fatal Steuben County, Indiana head-on crash death of Lester Merkle – Obituary
On Saturday evening, November 9, 2024, a tragic head-on collision in Steuben County, Indiana, claimed the life of 91-year-old Lester Merkle from Ohio City, Ohio. The accident occurred around 6:40 p.m. on U.S. 20, between County Roads 800 West and 900 West. Merkle’s SUV drifted into the opposite lane, striking a pickup truck driven by 65-year-old Lorene Fuentes of Angola, Indiana.
Despite efforts to contain a fire caused by the crash, Merkle was pronounced dead at the scene. Fuentes, who sustained significant injuries to her lower legs, arm, and possibly internal organs, was first taken to Cameron Hospital in Angola. She was later airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for further treatment. The crash remains under investigation, with support from multiple local agencies, including the Steuben County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team.