A 17-year-old student was killed and his passenger was injured early Friday morning when an ATV went off the road and struck a tree.
Troopers from the Jackson Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to Hiram West Road, just north of State Route 32 in Milton Township, at approximately 1:27 a.m.
According to the Highway Patrol, Bailey Ousley, 17, was driving a 2014 Honda Rancher ATV northwest on Hiram West Road with Gabrielle Myers, 18, as his passenger.
Troopers said the ATV traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
Bailey was taken by Jackson County EMS to Holzer Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Myers was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Bailey would have been a senior at Wellston High School and graduated with the Class of 2027.
Classmates Plan Vigil
Bailey’s classmates, friends, and family planned to gather for a candlelight vigil at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Wellston High School parking lot on the gymnasium side.
Social media quickly filled with memories of Bailey, a football player whom friends described as strong-willed, outgoing, and deeply loved.
“This boy was a force,” one person wrote. “He was strong-willed and was unstoppable. He was a charmer of the ladies and loved open-heartedly.”
Others remembered Bailey’s love of football and the conversations they shared with him before games.
“Our prayers go out to Bailey’s family, brothers of the gridiron, and all his friends,” another community member wrote. “Fly high, Bailey Ousley. You will be missed by so many.”
A classmate encouraged the entire Class of 2027 to attend Bailey’s funeral once arrangements are announced.
“He was our classmate and would’ve graduated with us,” the student wrote. “Nobody deserves to go this early in life.”
Others remembered Bailey from school activities, games, and time spent with him in the classroom.
“It was an honor to be able to photograph him when I could at games and events and to have him in some of my classes,” one person said.
Counselors Available at School
Wellston High School Principal Dusty Cremeans announced that counselors would be available to help students who need support following Bailey’s death.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the crash scene by the Wellston Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County EMS, and Wellston Fire Department.