Anthony Cole – A man from Mercer County was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening, according to a report from Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman. The incident occurred on state Route 707, located west of Wabash Road in Blackcreek Township, which is in the western part of Mercer County. The call reporting the accident was received by county dispatchers at 5:49 p.m.
The investigation revealed that Anthony Cole, 47, from Celina, was driving a passenger van when the vehicle veered left of the centerline. As a result, Cole’s van collided with a westbound semi-truck driven by 56-year-old Todd Lotter from Berne, Indiana. Despite efforts to investigate the cause of the accident, it remains unclear whether inclement weather played a role in the crash. Cole was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
First responders from the Rockford Fire Department, Chatt Fire Department, Rockford EMS, and the Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers (MCERV) all assisted at the scene. However, despite their efforts, Cole’s injuries were fatal, and he was unable to be saved.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are working to gather further details and determine the exact cause of the accident. They are likely to consider multiple factors, including potential issues with road conditions, weather, or vehicle malfunction, though it is still too early to confirm any specific causes.
The tragic loss of Anthony Cole has left his family and the local community grieving. As investigators continue to work on the case, they are also focused on ensuring that a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crash is achieved. The hope is that through this investigation, any contributing factors can be identified to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Local responders worked swiftly to manage the aftermath of the crash, with various emergency services providing assistance. The support from the fire departments and EMS teams was essential in managing the chaotic situation and securing the area. Despite their efforts, the fatal nature of the accident left them with little chance of saving Cole.
The death of Cole serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road traffic and the tragic consequences that can arise from even minor deviations from normal driving. As authorities investigate the incident, their focus will be on understanding what factors led to the crash and whether there are any broader lessons to be learned.
In the coming days, more details may emerge about the investigation, which could shed light on whether driver error, road conditions, or weather played any role in the collision. As of now, the investigation continues, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the case.
The community in Mercer County is rallying around Cole’s family, offering condolences and support during this difficult time. As the investigation continues, it is likely that there will be further discussions about road safety in the area and ways to prevent future accidents on state Route 707 and similar roads.
For now, the focus remains on honoring Cole’s memory and ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the full circumstances of the crash. The hope is that by understanding what happened, both the families affected and the community can find some closure, while also contributing to broader efforts to improve road safety in the area.
