A Centerburg man is dead following a single-vehicle crash early Monday morning on State Route 229 in Clinton Township, Knox County.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred at approximately 12:51 a.m. on May 26 near milepost 7 in Clinton Township. According to a news release, Ryan Carlisle, 35, of Centerburg, was driving a 2016 Ram 3500 westbound on State Route 229 when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway and struck several utility poles.
A passenger in the vehicle, 32-year-old Zachery White, also of Centerburg, was seated in the front and sustained critical injuries in the crash. He was transported by emergency responders to Knox Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Carlisle suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Knox Community Hospital by Mount Vernon Fire/EMS for treatment.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. However, the agency said alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the incident. Toxicology results and further investigation will determine whether charges may be filed.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, and Mount Vernon Fire/EMS all assisted the Highway Patrol at the scene of the crash. Crews worked to secure the area and clear the damaged utility poles from the roadway in the hours following the accident.
No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
The Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact the Mount Gilead Post as the investigation remains active.
This marks the latest in a series of serious accidents on State Route 229, a stretch of road that has seen several fatal and injury crashes in recent years.
