A prominent Cincinnati businessman and philanthropist was killed in a tragic car accident in Napa Valley last Friday night. Vail Miller Sr., founder of the Vail rubber company and former co-owner of the Cincinnati Bengals American football team, was killed when the SUV he was driving went off the road and collided with a tree. The accident occurred in slippery road conditions due to heavy rain, causing Miller Sr. 77 years old died on the spot. His wife, Carol Miller, suffered minor injuries in the accident. The article looks back at Miller Sr.’s life and career, as well as the legacy he left behind in Cincinnati through business and philanthropy.
Vail Miller Sr. Car Accident: Fatal Napa Valley Crash Claims Life of Ohio Man, Injures Woman
Calistoga, CA – A 77-year-old Ohio man was killed and a woman also from Ohio was injured in a late Friday night crash between a southbound vehicle and a tree south of Calistoga, according to the California Highway Patrol.
According to CHP Officer Vince Pompliano of the Napa office, at approximately 11:10 p.m., a Mercedes-Benz GLC300 SUV traveling south on Silverado Trail in rainy weather veered off the roadway and collided with a tree just south of Dunaweal Lane.
Pompliano said the passenger, a 77-year-old man from Oregonia, a small town in southern Ohio between Cincinnati and Dayton, was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s identity was withheld Saturday pending notification of family members.
According to Pompliano, the driver of the Mercedes, 77-year-old Carol Miller of Oregon, Ohio, sustained minor injuries and was transported by American Medical Response ambulance to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
The deceased victim has been unofficially identified as Vail Miller Sr.
Pompliano said it is unknown at this time whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision. The cause remains under investigation, but wet roadway conditions may have played a role.
Vail Miller Sr. was a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the Cincinnati area. He founded the Vail Rubber Company in 1959, which grew into one of the nation’s leading automotive and industrial rubber product suppliers.
In the 1980s, Miller acquired the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company and operated it until selling the brewery in 1996. He was also a co-owner of the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team from 1991 to 1998.
Miller devoted time and money to many philanthropic causes in the Cincinnati area. He served on the boards of numerous organizations including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Cincinnati Arts Association.
In 1998, he founded the Vail Miller Family Foundation which has donated millions to education, healthcare, arts and culture. Miller was awarded the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s “Great Living Cincinnatian” award in 1996 for his business success and community contributions.
Miller is survived by his wife Carol of 59 years, three children, and six grandchildren. His family said he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“Our father touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity, and community leadership,” said his son Adam Miller. “We are shocked and saddened by his tragic passing but take comfort in his incredible legacy.”
The Millers were likely visiting the Napa Valley as tourists. The area, known globally for its vineyards and wineries, is a popular destination for vacations and wine tours.
Friday’s rainstorm that preceded the crash was part of a larger weather system that brought heavy rain and flooding across Northern California. Wet road conditions have contributed to numerous accidents and road closures over the past week.
The CHP reminds all drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and use additional caution when driving in rain or wet conditions. The crash remains under investigation.
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