Connellsville teen remembered as charismatic, caring
Just days before a new school year was set to begin, two young lives were lost in a fatal accident in Bullskin Township. Thursday night’s accident on Breakneck Road claimed the lives of Kayla Marie Wiltrout, 16, and Tyler Garrett Wolfe, 22, both of Connellsville.
A small group of Wiltrout’s classmates met near the Connellsville Area High School auditorium Saturday to remember a friend whom they described as a caring, kind person who would go out of her way to make others happy.
“Kayla was just so friendly and took others under her wing,” said 17-year-old Sarah Schiman-sky, a senior at CAHS.
“She truly embraced the MTA class as her family,” she continued, referring to the Musical Theatre Arts class in which Wiltrout was actively involved.
The MTA instructor, Gayle Cuneo, described Wiltrout as a dynamic performer — always sincere, emotional and dedicated.
“Kayla Marie Wiltrout was one of the reasons I loved coming to school every day,” Cuneo said in a written statement. “Kayla’s light shined the very brightest when she was on our CAHS stage. Her acting was remarkable with her monologues in particular being her favorite assignment.”
“Kayla will be fondly remembered by all in her MTA family with joy and love,” she continued. “Her talent was relentless, but her real gifts were her friendship and trust.”
With a smile on her face, 15-year-old Sarah Verbanick, a sophomore at CAHS, remembered her late classmate’s ambition and charisma. Verbanick said Wiltrout gave 110 percent in everything she did, whether it was acting, singing, playing the piano, drawing or writing poetry.
“Her confidence was sky high. She took the time to care about others,” said sophomore Emily Fronzeck, 15. “The hardest part, for me, is going to be driving over the Memorial Bridge and not seeing Kayla down there at a picnic table or on the rocks. She was always down there singing or drawing, or just being outside.”
Wolfe, who was also known as “Jynx,” also enjoyed being outdoors. He was employed as a mechanic at Mongell Tire Company in Scottdale. Wolfe also enjoyed skateboarding and art.
Family and friends are holding a candlelight vigil tonight at 7 p.m. where the accident happened on Breakneck Road to remember Wiltrout and Wolfe. The road will be temporarily shut down by local fireman. Those planning to be in attendance can park at the ballfield or gun club, and are asked to bring a candle.
The 2015-2016 school year for Connellsville area students is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
CAHS principal Nick Bosnic said that all teachers and counselors have been notified and will provide support to grieving students.
Students and faculty will also participate in a moment of silence during an extended homeroom period on Monday morning in remembrance of Wiltrout, Bosnic said.
“When talking about Kayla, you can’t leave out her smile,” said 17-year-old Anna Blanish, a senior at CAHS. “When I remember her, I remember her smiling because that’s what she was always doing. That’s how she deserves to be remembered.”
Wiltrout’s friends and family will be received at the Vito C. Martucci Funeral Home in Connellsville on Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., with an interment to follow in the Green Ridge Memorial Park.
Wolfe’s family and friends will also be received at the Vito C. Martucci Funeral Home from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
State police said the accident happened shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday just before the intersection with East End Road. The vehicle, driven by Wolfe, spun counter clockwise across the eastbound lane, police said. A preliminary investigation indicated that speed was a factor to the accident, police said.
Both Wolfe and Wiltrout had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Bullskin and Connellsville VFDs after it traveled off the roadway and struck a tree on the passenger side.