KNOX COUNTY – The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a pair of fatal auto accidents that occurred this weekend.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, at approximately 12:48 a.m., 37-year-old Jacob Miller of Walhonding was operating a red Jonsered farm tractor westbound on State Route 229 (Newcastle Road) near Woods Church Road in Butler Township. Miller struck a deer, drove off the right side of the road, struck a road sign and overturned, according to and OSHP press release. 

Miller, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Alcohol use is not suspected in the crash; however, the accident remains under investigation.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Danville Fire Department assisted OSHP at the accident scene.

About four hours later, a second accident occurred.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, at approximately 4:12 a.m., Shawn E. Hess, age 42, of Mount Gilead was operating a silver 2015 Hyundai Sonata eastbound on State Route 95 east of State Route 13 in the Village of Fredericktown. 

Hess failed to negotiate a curve, drove off the left side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned, the OSHP said. Hess was pronounced deceased at the scene. Before the crash, the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to stop the Hyundai Sonata Hess was driving.

Two passengers were in the vehicle: Amanda S. Blevins, age 37, and Justin Blevins, age 4, both of Mount Gilead. Amanda Blevins was transported to Ohio Health Hospital in Mansfield with minor injuries. Justin Blevins was transported to Knox County Hospital and then Children’s Hospital with minor injuries. Hess and Blevins were wearing seatbelts. Blevins was in a child restraint seat. Alcohol and drug use are unknown at this time.  Unsafe speed is a contributing factor, according to the press release.

The OSHP was assisted by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, Fredericktown Fire Department, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Fredericktown Police Department. The vehicle was towed by Elliston’s Towing.

The traffic crash remains under investigation by the Mount Gilead Post of the OSHP.