FINDLAY, OH. (THECOUNT) — A teenage motorcyclist from Kalida died Saturday after crashing his 2002 Aprilia motorcycle the previous afternoon in Findlay, the county seat of Hancock County in northwest Ohio. Jager S. Burgei, of Kalida, was pronounced dead approximately 24 hours after the collision, according to his obituary.
“Trey” Burgei was 19.
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The crash occurred at approximately 1:10 p.m. on March 20, 2026, at the intersection of Broad Avenue and West Bigelow Avenue. Burgei was operating the motorcycle northbound on Broad Avenue as the roadway transitions into an incline curve toward West Bigelow Avenue when he failed to maintain control, struck the northern curb and was ejected from the vehicle.
Burgei sustained serious injuries and was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital by HANCO EMS. He was subsequently transferred to ProMedica in Toledo, where he was listed in critical condition. He did not survive. The Findlay Fire Department also assisted at the scene. No citations have been issued, and the crash remains under investigation by the Findlay Police Department.
[Google Maps — Broad Ave & W. Bigelow Ave, Findlay, Ohio (approximate crash scene): https://maps.google.com/?q=Broad+Ave+%26+W+Bigelow+Ave,+Findlay,+OH]
Broad Avenue is a well-traveled north-side corridor in Findlay that carries commuter and residential traffic through the city’s northern neighborhoods before curving into West Bigelow Avenue. The transition point where the roadway begins its incline curve has been the scene of prior traffic incidents. Authorities have not indicated whether road conditions or mechanical failure were factors in Saturday’s crash.
Findlay, with a population of roughly 41,000, is the largest city in Hancock County and serves as a regional hub for northwest Ohio. It sits approximately 45 miles south of Toledo and 90 miles northwest of Columbus, positioned along U.S. Route 224 and Interstate 75. The city is home to Marathon Petroleum’s corporate headquarters and the University of Findlay, making it one of the more prominent mid-size cities between Toledo and Columbus along the I-75 corridor.
Kalida, where Burgei resided, is a tight-knit village of fewer than 1,200 residents in neighboring Putnam County, approximately 20 miles southwest of Findlay. The community sits in the heart of Ohio’s rural northwest, surrounded by agricultural land and small-town institutions that form the backbone of Putnam County life. News of Burgei’s death spread quickly through both Kalida and the broader Ottawa-area community over the weekend.
Burgei was a graduate of Ottawa-Glandorf High School in Ottawa, the Putnam County seat, where he was a multi-sport athlete competing in both football and track and field for the Titans. Ottawa-Glandorf is a respected small-school athletic program in northwest Ohio, known for its strong community identity and loyal following. Burgei was remembered by teammates and coaches as a dedicated member of the track and field program during his time at the school.
Following news of his passing, the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans track and field program posted a tribute on social media that drew an outpouring of responses from former athletes, students, and community members: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our OG Track family members, Jager Burgei. We value the time we had with him as a member of our team and will always remember him as a part of it. Once a Titan, always a Titan. Please keep Jager’s family, friends, teammates and loved ones in your thoughts during this time.”
The post was shared widely across northwest Ohio, reflecting the deep connections Burgei had built through athletics and community in both Putnam and Hancock counties. Condolences continued to pour in through Sunday and into the early part of the week from those who knew him personally and from the broader Ottawa-Glandorf school community.
Funeral arrangements for Burgei are being handled by Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home. A full obituary is available through the funeral home. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Findlay Police Department.
VIA Obit:
“KALIDA – Jager Stanley “Trey” Burgei, 19, of Kalida, passed away at 3:07 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born September 7, 2006, in Flint Michigan.
Survivors include his parents: Stanley Smith Jr. and Devanettie LaFuze-Harris, Joe and Amy (Schroeder) Burgei; seven siblings: Mia Burgei, Olivia Burgei, Gabriella Burgei, Davion Featheroff, Javion Featheroff, Xavier Helton, Emmanuel Helton; grandparents: Steve (Carol) Burgei, Marcus (Debra) Schroeder, Dequincy (Sherri) Passmore, Sr. and Ivory Gipson; aunts and uncles: Laura (Clint) Rieke, Catherine Schroeder, Charles Schroeder, Nathan Schroeder, Deserae (Aaron) Sanders, Dekeila Passmore; several aunts and uncles on his father’s side; and the love of his life, Addie Brokamp.
He was preceded in death by brother, Cameron Choate-Harris.
Jager worked at McDonald’s in Findlay. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida. Jager was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Flag City Phantoms. He loved riding motorcycles, playing football for Ottawa-Glandorf High School, where he also ran track, and hanging out with his friends and family. Jager recently graduated high school online and had planned to be a military police officer with the US Army. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa. The family would like to encourage friends and family to wear their favorite team gear for Jager’s services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family.”
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