Last Updated on September 22, 2023, 6:51 am
Pennsylvania: Teen killed in Dravosburg accident, five more injured.
Samantha Kalkbrenner, a 15-year-old Serra Catholic High School student, passed away in a deadly crash on her way to School in a school van on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania. Samantha Kalkbrenner was pronounced dead at the scene, and five injured, including three other students, were transferred to the area hospital.
What happened to Samantha Kalkbrenner?
The tragic accident happened before 7:30 am when a school van collided with a car in Richland Avenue and 3rd Street, claiming Samantha’s life. According to the Allegheny County Police, the car was travelling northbound on Richland Avenue, and the school van was attempting to take a left turn from 3rd Street on the southbound of Richland Avenue when they collided.
The witnesses rushed to the scene to help. One witness, McCauley, told a local news channel that she was driving down Richland Road with her husband when she witnessed the accident. The couple pulled over, and she rushed to help an injured boy, and her husband helped the driver of the other car. McCauley said,
“The boy I talked to the whole time tried to keep him alert, telling him it’s going to be okay buddy,” said McCauley. “Another boy said ma’am this is a bad dream and I said it’s going to be okay.”
Another witness, Amie Nickleson, told the news channel that another boy was trapped underneath the van, and about thirty people gathered and lifted the van to pull the boy from underneath it. She said it was devastating to watch crash victims suffer like that.
Witnesses called the emergency services, who promptly responded. Samantha was pronounced dead at the scene, while five injured were transferred to the area hospital. Among the injured, three were students. According to the hospitals and the officials, they were severely injured but were in stable condition. Drivers from both vehicles were critically injured. Although their condition is not known at the moment, they are believed to have survived the crash.
Who was Samantha Kalkbrenner?
Samantha’s heartbroken father says Samantha was a perfect child, and she always wore a smile on her face. In a post on social media, he wrote,
“There are no words. Samantha was as close to perfect as a child could get. She loved her life and everything about it. If you knew her, you loved her. That’s the impact she had in this life. I will miss my baby forever, and there will forever be a hole in my heart. Thank you all for your emotional support.”
Her friends describe her as a kind, gentle soul. She was in the cheering squad of her School and loved to cheer for her football team. She had an infectious smile and spread positivity and warmth everywhere she went. Everyone loved her. Her tragic passing has left everyone heartbroken and lost.
A vigil was held at Serra Catholic High School
The Serra Catholic School cancelled all classes and activities through Sunday. However, the School remained open on Thursday to offer counselling to help the students who need assistance during this difficult time.
The School invited the community for a prayer service for Samantha Kaklbrenner and the crash survivors on Thursday at 7 pm at the School’s stadium. Hundreds gathered to mourn the loss of a dedicated student in the flickering light of candles.
A GoFundMe page has been established
The School also assisted in fundraising for Samantha’s family to help them with the unexpected financial aspect of the life. A GoFundMe page was established to help the family with the target of 25,000 dollars. Over 27,000 dollars have been raised in less than 16 hours.
Tributes
The community came together to pay tributes to honour late Samantha’s memory and offer support for her family.
Liz Wittman wrote,
“Prayers and deepest condolences for you and Nenita from a fellow St. Thomas the Apostle parishioner and SCAD dance mom. I will never forget Sam’s cheerful friendliness or her beautiful smile.”
Loretta Barkly wrote,
“Our sorrow, sympathy, and prayers for you and your family. God bless and comfort you all. I can’t imagine the ache in your heart. May God fill your heart with warm, comforting memories of your Daughter. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, loved by so many people. May God give you peace.”
Sources: uptospeedjournalism.com
Copyright 2023 Uptospeed Journalism. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
