'He Embodied What Jeannette Is': Standout Student-Athlete Killed In Penn Twp. Motorcycle Crash
PENN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A standout student-athlete is being mourned today after he was killed in a motorcycle crash over the weekend in Westmoreland County.
The crash happened Sunday around 9 p.m. along Route 130 in Penn Township.
The victim is identified as 20-year-old Tre Cunningham of Jeannette.
According to the Westmoreland County Coroner, Cunningham was driving his 2004 Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle. He was traveling east on State Route 130 at the same time as a BMW X3 going in the same direction. Cunningham crossed the yellow double line in an attempt to pass the BMW and collided with it. The collision resulted in Cunningham being thrown from his motorcycle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Jeannette football coach Roy Hall said Cunningham is the best three-sport athlete he has ever seen. He played football, basketball and baseball.
Hall said he is still numb after learning the news.
"He was not just a great athlete, but he was a great person, a great human being, honor roll student," Hall said.
Coach Hall said Cunningham was the epitome of a student-athlete, excelling in the classroom and on the field, hardwood and diamond.
"I cannot remember an athlete that dominated in three sports the way Tre Cunningham did," Hall said.
Former teammate Drake Petrillo remembers Cunningham dominating on the mound.
"He was a leader. You would talk to him, he had a calm demeanor. He was awesome," said Petrillo.
Those who knew Cunningham said he was a leader on and off the field. He had a car and used it to help his teammates get to practice.
"He embodied what Jeannette is: hardworking, tough, humble, gritty. Whatever you needed out of him, he did it," Jeannette assistant football coach Trevor Petrillo said.
A tremendous young man who had so much more life to live. He shared a tight bond with his family.
"We all said a prayer, prayed for his family," coach Hall said. "I can't imagine how they feel. He's going to be sadly missed."
Cunningham graduated in 2018 and moved on to La Roche where he played for the Redhawks' baseball team for two seasons.
The La Roche community mourns the loss of a great student-athlete and an even better person, Tre Cunningham. Tre was a pitcher for the baseball team and played two seasons with the Redhawks. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/T5cbKjQTGc
— La Roche Redhawks (@LRUAthletics) July 27, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic passing of student Tre Cunningham. Tre was a pitcher for the La Roche baseball team, and was majoring in accounting and management. He was known as a humble, intelligent friend to many. pic.twitter.com/RR0qFigzd0
— La Roche University (@larocheuniv) July 27, 2020
"The La Roche Baseball community lost a friend and a brother last night. Tre was a person who had the ability to instantly uplift a person's spirit. His personality was infectious, and players instantly gravitated toward him for guidance. He had a smile that was contagious, and he immediately brought out the best version of everyone around him. We are deeply saddened by losing one of our leaders. I hope everyone can keep his family and our team in their prayers. We are hurt and hope everyone can come together during this tragic time," said Sean Lubin, the interim head coach of La Roche baseball, in a statement.
Penn Township Police and Pennsylvania State Police investigated the crash.