OTTAWA, OH — June 8, 2025 — A tragic head-on collision on Sunday morning in Putnam County claimed the life of a 74-year-old woman and injured two others, including a teenager. The accident occurred at approximately 11:59 a.m. on State Route 65 near Road M, just outside of Ottawa, Ohio. According to the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lisa Kleman, 43, of Ottawa, was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse northbound when her vehicle crossed the centerline.
It collided head-on with a southbound 2015 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Nancy Gerken, 74, of Holgate. Gerken was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was later transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office by Feldner Mortuary Service. A passenger in her vehicle, 13-year-old Rose Schwab, was injured but is expected to recover. She was taken to Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima with non-life-threatening injuries.
Lisa Kleman also sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to the same hospital. Officials confirmed that all three individuals involved in the accident were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Both vehicles suffered major damage and were removed by Jim Schmidt Chevrolet.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded, including the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa Fire and Rescue, Glandorf Fire, Putnam County EMS, Columbus Grove EMS, and the Mercy Health Life Flight team. The scene was secured and managed with help from the Putnam County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused Kleman’s vehicle to drift across the centerline. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate and is urging drivers to stay focused, avoid distractions such as phones, and always wear seatbelts.
This accident is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn into a tragedy. As the community mourns the loss of Nancy Gerken, troopers are working diligently to determine exactly what led to the fatal crash. Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact local authorities.
