Man, 18, Killed In Westmoreland County Accident
MURRYSVILLE (KDKA) – A Westmoreland County family and community is in mourning after a teenager who had just graduated from high school was killed in an accident over the weekend.
The young man survived the initial crash, but as he crawled out of the wrecked vehicle, he was hit and killed by another friend who was following closely behind.
A makeshift memorial has grown at the place where the 18-year-old lost his life around 5:30 a.m. Saturday.
Andy Lysell spent Friday night at the demolition derby with his two best friends, and then went to a graduation party.
Police say a friend he was driving home with lost control on a curve along Saltsburg Road in Murrysville and flipped the car.
The boys were able to crawl out, but a third friend who was traveling behind them, hit the car and Lysell, propelling him more than 200 feet up the road.
"It's really hard watching your 18-year-old little brother disappear from your life and knowing that you're never [going to] get him back," said Kevin Lysell, the victim's brother.
Andy was the youngest of three brothers.
He had just graduated from Franklin Regional High School two weeks ago. He attended vo-tech for welding and planned to be a boiler maker, just like his father.
"Fishing, hunting, shooting guns - typical little country boy," said Kevin of his brother.
More than 50 people showed up Sunday night for a candlelight vigil at the crash site. Many added personal touches to the memorial.
Investigators say Andy and his friends are believed to have been drinking in the hours before the crash. And while charges are pending, Andy's family is hoping a lesson will be immediate.
"Don't get into the car and drink and drive. I personally don't way to see anything… any other people their children or older brothers or little brothers," said Kevin. "It shouldn't have to be this way."
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Bash-Nied Funeral Home in Delmont. Viewing is Tuesday and the funeral service will be held on Wednesday.
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