CLARION TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Clarion County Coroner Dan Shingledecker has identified the victim of Saturday evening’s fatal crash on River Hill as Tammy Zacherl, 53, of Lucinda.
Clarion County 9-1-1 said the collision occurred around 5:54 p.m. on U.S. Route 322 just west of Liberty Street, prompting response from multiple emergency crews including Clarion Fire & Hose Company No. 1, Strattanville Volunteer Fire Company, Shippenville Volunteer Fire Department, Clarion Hospital EMS, and Jefferson County EMS.
According to Clarion-based State Police, the crash occurred when a 2016 Ford Escape traveling eastbound crossed over the center line, striking a westbound 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. A third vehicle, a 2011 Kia Soul, struck the Cavalier while attempting to stop.
Zacherl, who was driving the Cavalier, was transported to Clarion Hospital where she was pronounced dead around 7:20 p.m. Chief Deputy Coroner Lexis Twentier responded to the call. Coroner Shingledecker said Zacherl died due to blunt force injuries.
The driver of the Ford Escape, David W. Smith, 64, of Shippenville, was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois with suspected serious injuries.
A passenger in Zacherl’s vehicle, Joseph R. Zacherl, 19, of Hershey, was also transported to Penn Highlands DuBois with possible injuries.
Emergency crews established a landing zone at Memorial Stadium, with both STAT MedEvac and LifeFlight helicopters responding.
The driver of the Soul, whose name was not released, was not injured.
State Police from the Clarion barracks conducted accident reconstruction at the scene, keeping River Hill closed for nearly five hours. PennDOT crews assisted with traffic control during the investigation.
The roadway reopened to traffic around 10:38 p.m.
The crash investigation is ongoing, according to PSP Clarion.
