TOBY TOWNSHIP, PA – A devastating head-on collision on Saturday, March 22, claimed the lives of three individuals, including two 16-year-old students, on Route 68 near Sligo, Pennsylvania.
The victims have been identified as Christopher McNutt, 55, of Sligo; Cambrie Priester, 16, of Rimersburg; and Landon Akins, 16, of Cadogan, Armstrong County. According to Clarion County Coroner Dan Shingledecker, all three individuals died at the scene due to blunt force trauma.
The accident was reported at approximately 3:10 p.m. near 12057 State Route 68, in the vicinity of Sligo Auto Salvage, according to Clarion County 9-1-1.
Emergency response teams, including the Sligo Volunteer Fire Department, Rimersburg Hose Company, East Brady Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Clarion County Ambulance Service, and Clarion-based State Police, arrived at the scene to assist.
Authorities closed Route 68 for several hours as first responders worked to investigate the crash and clear the wreckage.
In the wake of the tragedy, Union School District Superintendent Dr. John Kimmel confirmed that one of the victims was a student at the school and another was a guardian of Union School District students. He announced that the district would provide counselors, staff, and local clergy members to support students, faculty, and community members grieving this heartbreaking loss.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and law enforcement officials have not yet released further details.
The community of Clarion County mourns this unimaginable loss, with tributes pouring in for the young lives tragically cut short.