Ross County, OH — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Friday, July 25, 2025, when Jeremy Taylor, a 33-year-old Chillicothe resident, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while walking on U.S. Route 35 in Ross County, Ohio. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, which has left the local community mourning the untimely loss of a young life.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:46 a.m. near milepost 18 on U.S. Route 35. According to the preliminary report, a 2013 Ford F-150 being driven by Bobbie J. Bonds Sr., age 77, of Spring Hope, North Carolina, was traveling southeast in the eastbound lanes of the highway when he struck Mr. Taylor, who was reportedly walking in the middle of the eastbound lanes.
Emergency responders from Union Township Fire and EMS, along with officers from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office and Chillicothe Police Department, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, Jeremy Taylor was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Mr. Bonds, the driver of the pickup truck, was not injured in the crash. He remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officials as they began their investigation.
The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ross County Coroner’s Office also responded, helping to manage traffic and assist with the crash assessment. The eastbound lanes of U.S. 35 were closed for approximately three hours, causing significant traffic delays as authorities worked to reconstruct the accident and remove debris from the roadway.
A Community in Mourning
Jeremy Taylor’s sudden death has left his family, friends, and the greater Chillicothe community in shock and sorrow. Described by those who knew him as a kind-hearted man who had faced life’s challenges with quiet resilience, Jeremy’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with loved ones expressing heartbreak and offering prayers of comfort.
Local residents have called for greater awareness regarding pedestrian safety and support for mental health services, particularly in areas where people may find themselves walking on roadways in the dark or during early morning hours.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. It is not yet known why Mr. Taylor was walking in the roadway at that hour or whether external factors may have played a role. Toxicology reports and forensic assessments are pending, and no charges have been filed as of this writing.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed a pedestrian on the highway around that time to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in Chillicothe to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Final Thoughts
Tragedies like this serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed highways, especially for pedestrians. As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, it is hoped that Jeremy Taylor’s memory will inspire renewed focus on improving pedestrian safety and extending care to those who may be in crisis.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and all agencies involved have extended their condolences to Jeremy Taylor’s family and are committed to providing a thorough and transparent investigation.
This remains an active case, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
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