Ralf Bronnenmeier, chief executive office of Bluffton’s Grob Systems, was killed in a small airplane accident around 1 a.m. on July 27, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash occurred near Findlay on Hancock County Road 18 between Cass Township Road 215 and Hancock County Road 18. This location is about five miles northeast of Findlay. The crash site spread along a one-half mile stretch of Hancock County Road 18.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the plane crashed in ditch. The plane, piloted by Bronnenmeier, was traveling from Holland, Mich., to Bluffton, according to the Sheriff’s Department. One other passenger, who is yet to be identified, was also killed in the accident.

Bronnenmeier served as Grob System CEO since January 2003 after joining the firm in 1994. In addition, he was a member of Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s Executive Workforce Board.

In May, Bronnenmeier spoke at the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast. During the breakfast he announced a major expansion planned by Grob, which opened here in 1983.

The photo below shows the Grob plant in Bluffton.