WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Mount Vernon – The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating
a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 04:28 AM, on State
Route 229 near milepost 7 in Clinton Township, Knox County.
Aaron Bolton, age 31 of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was operating a 2013 Ford Focus westbound
on State Route 229. Mr. Bolton failed to negotiate a curve, drove off the right side of the
roadway, and struck a utility pole. Tyler J. Schlairet, age 34 of Howard, Ohio, and Landon
M. Miller, age 19 of Mount Vernon, Ohio, were passengers in the vehicle.
Mr. Bolton was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported from the scene by Mount
Vernon Fire/EMS to Knox Community Hospital and later flown to Grant Hospital with
life-threatening injuries. Mr. Schlairet was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced
deceased at the scene. Mr. Miller was transported to Knox Community Hospital and later
to Grant Hospital with serious injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Knox County Sheriff’s
Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, and Mount Vernon Fire/EMS. Alcohol is a
suspected factor in the crash. None of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. The crash
remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds all motorists and
occupants to wear their safety belts.
