LISBON, Ohio - Bail is set at half a million dollars for a Salineville man charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Columbiana middle school student.

Donald E. White, 64, was arraigned Monday on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, hit-skip, and possession of marijuana.

State troopers said White was driving a pickup truck that struck 13-year-old Aidan Wollman of New Springfield as he was riding a bicycle along Route 164 in Fairfield Township Saturday night.

"There is a hole in my soul I have never felt before and it won't go away," Aidan's father Jerry Wollman said, "and I just want my little boy home."

Aidan's parents said he was spending the night over a friend's house while they were at their anniversary dinner when the unthinkable happened. His mother, Melissa, received a call that her son was hit and was asked to meet law enforcement where it happened. 

"The troopers and the EMTs and everyone that was there did everything they could to save him," Melissa Wollman said, "but he didn't survive his injuries from the accident."

Aidan was taken to Salem Hospital where he later passed away. 

His family said he was a ray of sunshine who always had a smile on his face and gave extra strong hugs. 

"His smirk, and his blue eyes, and that long floppy hair...just that smile... that was Aidan," his mother said. 

She said Aidan was always on the go, loved riding his bike, making friends, playing video games and four-wheeling. He was athletic and was developing an interest in art. He was the youngest of three boys and attended Columbiana Exempted Village Middle School.

"Now it's weird cause the house is quiet," Aidan's older brother Austin said, "I can't go downstairs. Even looking in his room... I can't... I don't know what to do."

The state highway patrol said White drove away from the crash scene Saturday night but was arrested later. 

The investigation is ongoing but officials believe illegal drugs may have been a factor in the crash.

White has a lengthy history of traffic violations resulting in 26 prior licenses suspensions, ranging from speed to unauthorized use of a motorized vehicle.

Another court hearing for White is scheduled for Thursday.

The Columbiana Exempted Village School District is offering grief counseling to members of the community.

Aidan Wollman's Aunt shared these photos with 21 News and also created a Go Fund Me page to help his family pay for funeral costs. 

"He was one of three, but I need all three to be whole," Aidan's mother said, "and now he's not here."

Aiden's parents said they are astonished by the outpour of support from the community and are grateful for the first responders.

 

 

Donald White
Donald White