Accident victim identified
HENRY CLAY TWP. – Officials identified the man who died in a one-vehicle accident that occurred Saturday on Sugarloaf Road. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office said Sunday that 32-year-old Michael L. Weber of Connellsville died from injuries suffered as a result of the crash.
Coroner Dr. Phillip E. Reilly said Weber was the only person in the sport utility vehicle when the crash occurred around 6:45 p.m.
According to Reilly, the SUV Weber was driving traveled off the road and crashed into trees. Weber was partially ejected during impact, Reilly said, noting that speed is believed to have played a factor.
Officials said the accident was not witnessed, but that an unidentified passerby traveling on the road came upon the accident and removed Weber’s body from the SUV because the vehicle caught fire.
The SUV was engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived on scene, officials said.
Reilly said Weber was unconscious when the passerby removed him from the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Paul Kondrla at 8:18 p.m.
Deputy Coroner Samantha Whoolery was also on scene.
A report released by Reilly stated Weber suffered blunt force trauma to the head and facial area, including skull and extremity fractures.
Manner of death was listed as accidental, according to the report.
Since the accident occurred within Ohiopyle State Park, park police handled the investigation.
The Ohiopyle-Stewart Township Volunteer Fire Department assisted the coroner’s office and park police at the scene of the accident.