Community Mourning Teen Killed In Bethel Park Crash
BETHEL PARK (KDKA) - People in Bethel Park are mourning a teenager who was killed over the weekend in a car accident.
According to police, the 16-year-old was riding in the back seat when the car went out of control and crashed into some trees Sunday morning.
Shane Phillips, a sophomore, was a well-liked football player at South Park High School.
Today, flowers and candles were left along Stoltz Road at the scene of the crash.
"The fellow was in the backseat. Another fellow attending to him, a passerby. We got up close and he had severe head trauma," Bob Russo said. "The fellow who was driving the car said he was going too fast, he admitted that, and lost control of the car."
Bethel Park Police say Phillips was one of three teenagers in the car, including the driver who has not been identified.
Football coach Marty Rieck described Phillips as driven and focused. The coach brought the players together yesterday so they could mourn as a team.
Phillips was a rising star on the football team and earned a starting role as an inside linebacker.
"He was a sophomore that got himself in the starting lineup, which is a huge, huge compliment to him. Extremely hard working kid. Very much a leader," Rieck said.
Rieck said Phillips was a quiet kid, but driven and a role model to younger players. The grieving process is just beginning for his teammates.
"We got the team together in the afternoon. Obviously, everyone was shaken up, but we wanted to give them an opportunity to be together," Rieck said. "We were all able to talk with the family and we just want to make sure we show our support the best that we can."
Bethel Park Police say the accident remains under investigation. It's unclear if the driver will face any charges.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter