Tammy Zacherl Obituary, Death – Clarion County Coroner Dan Shingledecker has identified the victim of a fatal crash on Saturday evening as 53-year-old Tammy Zacherl from Lucinda. The crash took place at approximately 5:54 p.m. on U.S. Route 322, just west of Liberty Street, triggering a 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 the Clarion-based State Police, the accident occurred when a 2016 Ford Escape, traveling eastbound, crossed the center line and collided with a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier heading west. A third vehicle, a 2011 Kia Soul, then struck the Cavalier as it attempted to stop, adding to the wreckage.
Zacherl, who was driving the Cavalier, was transported to Clarion Hospital but was pronounced dead around 7:20 p.m. due to blunt force injuries. Chief Deputy Coroner Lexis Twentier responded to the scene. The crash took a heavy toll on Zacherl’s family and community, and the details of the incident continue to be investigated.
The driver of the Ford Escape, 64-year-old David W. Smith from Shippenville, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Penn Highlands DuBois for treatment. A passenger in Zacherl’s vehicle, 19-year-old Joseph R. Zacherl from Hershey, was also transported to the same hospital with possible injuries.
In response to the severity of the incident, emergency crews established a landing zone at Memorial Stadium for the arrival of two helicopters, STAT MedEvac and LifeFlight, which were called in to assist with the transportation of the injured. Fortunately, the driver of the Kia Soul, whose identity has not been released, was not injured in the crash.
State Police from the Clarion barracks carried out an accident reconstruction at the scene, which caused River Hill to be closed for nearly five hours as investigators worked to understand the details of the crash. PennDOT crews assisted with traffic control during the investigation, ensuring that motorists were safely diverted. The road was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:38 p.m.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Clarion. Authorities are working to determine the factors that led to the Ford Escape crossing into the opposite lane, which resulted in this fatal collision. No further details about the cause of the crash have been released at this time, but the investigation is expected to continue as authorities examine evidence and gather information from those involved.
This tragic event highlights the importance of road safety and the potential dangers that can arise from collisions involving multiple vehicles. With the ongoing investigation, law enforcement officials are seeking to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The fatal crash has left a profound impact on the local community, particularly for Zacherl’s family and loved ones. Tammy Zacherl’s death is a devastating loss for those who knew her, and the circumstances surrounding the crash are being closely examined by law enforcement. The community is rallying around the family during this difficult time, and thoughts and condolences have been shared by many who were touched by Zacherl’s life.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on determining the exact cause of the crash, including whether any factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, or driver behavior played a role. The incident also raises concerns about traffic safety and the importance of staying alert and cautious when driving, particularly on busy roads where accidents like this one can occur unexpectedly.
The crash serves as a reminder of the potential risks faced by drivers and passengers on the road, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices and the need to remain vigilant at all times. In the wake of this tragedy, the Clarion County community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved member and supports the efforts of law enforcement as they work to understand the circumstances of the fatal collision.
As the investigation continues, updates may be provided to the public as new information comes to light, shedding more light on the causes and effects of this heartbreaking incident. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and honoring the memory of those lost in the crash.
