A fatal traffic accident early Saturday morning in Clinton Township, Knox County, is currently under investigation by the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The incident occurred at 4:28 a.m. on State Route 229 near milepost 7.
According to a news release from the Mount Gilead Post, Aaron Bolton, 31, of Mount Vernon, was driving a 2013 Ford Focus westbound on State Route 229 when he failed to negotiate a curve and drove off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole, resulting in both Bolton and passenger Tyler J. Schlairet, 34, of Howard, being ejected from the car. Schlairet was pronounced dead at the scene.
The release further states that Bolton was transported from the scene to Knox Community Hospital by Mount Vernon Fire/EMS before being flown to Grant Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Another passenger in the vehicle, Landon M. Miller, 19, of Mount Vernon, was also taken to Knox Community Hospital and later transferred to Grant Hospital with serious injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that they were assisted at the scene by the Knox County Sheriff's Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, and Mount Vernon Fire/EMS.
According to the release, alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash and none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds all motorists and passengers to wear their safety belts.
