2 teenagers killed in McCandless crash
MCCANDLESS, Pa. (KDKA) -- Two teenagers are dead after the SUV they were in hit a tree in McCandless overnight.
An 18-year-old man was speeding in an SUV along Irwin Road near Babcock Boulevard when he lost control and struck a tree around 3 a.m. Saturday, Allegheny County police said.
When first responders got to the scene, they found six people inside the vehicle. An 18-year-old woman, later identified by the medical examiner as Taylor Orlowski, was pronounced dead at the scene and 14-year-old Jonathan Tourney was flown to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two passengers were taken to a hospital and were listed in stable condition. Two others weren't injured.
The Pine-Richland School District told families in a message that the crash involved current and former students. One of the teenagers who died was a current student, and the district said at least one other student is being treated for injuries.
Jonathan Tourney was a ninth grader who was on the high school football team. Many have said that he was an active kid who loved ice skating, fishing and anything sports-related.
"Around the holiday season makes it even tougher. Anytime you're burying a child, it's tough. Hearts and prayers to the family," said Pine-Richland football coach Jon LeDonne.
When students come back on Jan. 3, the district said there will be counselors, psychologists and Glade Run clinicians to provide support.
"This is a time for our community and school district to focus on supporting the families impacted by this tragedy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. As we prepare for the transition back to school, we will send additional information regarding our school-based supports for all students, families, and staff," the letter said.
Coach LeDonne called the crash tragic and said Tourney's family has been through a lot.
"The family's been through so much in the last six to eight months with the passing of their father and husband, so just keeping his family -- mom and brother -- in our prayers," LeDonne said.
LeDonne said Tourney always looked out for his teammates.
"A great kid, was always smiling, lit up the room when he walked in, very caring, willing to do whatever was needed for his teammates," he said.
Neighbor Joe Merhaut wanted to do something to help.
"I've known Jonathan since he's been a baby. Fourteen years old, star athlete, I mean the kid is just a little stud. Everything he does, he does it 150%. He was training to become a quarterback for the football team for next year," Merhaut said.
He started a GoFundMe page, hoping to offer relief.
"This morning, I was talking to my wife and I said, 'I think we should really start a GoFundMe because she's been struggling since her husband has passed.' So I started putting it together and my daughters edited it for me a little bit and I thought it looked really good. Little did we know that we were going to raise $60,000 in less than four hours."
Allegheny County police's homicide unit is investigating.
