FREDERICKTOWN — A Mount Vernon teen was killed and another seriously injured Friday night after a one-vehicle crash near Fredericktown, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Thomas K. Swihart, 19, of Mount Vernon, was pronounced dead at the scene, while passenger, Tate K. Swihart, 17, also of Mount Vernon, was transported by MedFlight to Grant Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, the Patrol reported.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:25 p.m. on County Road 5 near County Road 66 in Morris Township of Knox County. According to the Patrol, Thomas Swihart was driving a taupe 2001 Lincoln LS northbound on County Road 5. The driver lost control of the vehicle as he drove over the crest of a hill. The taupe 2001 Lincoln LS went off the left side of the roadway, struck a barn, a parked vehicle, and a tree. The taupe 2001 Lincoln LS broke in half, ejecting both teens.
The driver and passenger were both wearing seat belts. The Patrol stated that alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Fredericktown Fire Department, Fredericktown Police Department, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation.
