(2-26-25) Jay County Sheriff’s Deputies Police responded to two 911 calls about 4:40 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of county roads 300 North and 450 East.
Alexis B. Sheffer (26) of Fairborn, Ohio was driving her 2016 Chevrolet Malibu west and Hunter L. Lairson (23) was driving his 2024 Honda Civic east on county road 300 North.
Lairson entered into the westbound lane as he came to the top of a hill, Sheffer attempted to avoid Lirson’s vehicle but was unable to avoid a collisio.
Sheffer’s vehicle went off the north side of the road. Lairson’s vehicle continued about 100 feet south of the road.
Lairson was trapped inside his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering blunt force trauma in the collision. .
Sheffer had to be removed from her vehicle by emergency responders. She complained of leg, chest and arm pain and was in and out of consciousness after the crash. Sheffer was flown to Lutheran Hospital by Lutheran Air in Fort Wayne for treatment of her injuries.
Hunter Lairson Obituary
Hunter Lairson, age 23, a resident of Portland, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 following an automobile accident.
Hunter was born October 4, 2001, in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Aaron Lairson and Jennifer (Shawver) Dalrymple. Hunter worked at Velco in Coldwater, Ohio. Hunter enjoyed watching Duke’s of Hazard, taking walks and spending time with family. Hunter’s family considered him an “old soul”, he enjoyed talking with older people and listening to their stories.
Survivors include:
His mother: Jennifer Dalrymple (husband Tony) – Portland, Indiana
His father: Aaron Lairson – Portland, Indiana
His siblings: Nick Lairson (wife Devin) – Redkey, Indiana
Koda Lairson (Lilly) – Portland, Indiana
Coltin Bowlan – Portland, Indiana
Journi Dalrymple – Portland, Indiana
Jalee Lairson – Union City, Indiana
Kendrick Lairson – Union City, Indiana
Natahsa Wilson (husband Ryan) – Pennville, Indiana
Nate Dalrymple (wife Lexis) – Portland, Indiana
Grandparents: Jack and Cheryl Shawver – Portland, Indiana
Carole Lairson – Geneva, Indiana
Kathy Dalrymple – Portland, Indiana
Nieces and Nephews: Lucy and Lyla Lairson, Ethan, Ella and Eevie Wilson and Ollie Dalrymple
Preceded in death by a grandpa Odis Lairson
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Services to celebrate Hunter’s life will follow at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed towards the family of Hunter Lairson, in care of Jennifer Dalrymple.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Mercer County Outlook 