Mar 17, 2026 By Paul Paterra 3 min read

Numerous fundraisers are planned for a California Area School District sophomore who was killed Friday night in an electric dirt bike accident.

Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company has scheduled two community events to benefit the family of Ayden Stahl, 16, of Roscoe, who died after the electric dirt bike he was riding struck a fallen tree felled by high winds Friday on Highland Drive behind Adamson Stadium in California at about 8:30 p.m.

Stahl’s death was ruled accidental by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries to the head and trunk.

California police Chief Jim Smith called it a “freak accident,” noting there was nothing suspicious about the accident, nor was alcohol involved.

The fire company will hold a fill the boot drive from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Donations will be collected on Route 88 in front of the Roscoe VFC and at the top of Elco Hill. Donations can be made in cash or checks payable to Edwin Barrett.

The fire company will also host a bingo fundraiser March 28. Doors will open at 2 p.m. with bingo starting at 5 p.m. Admission will be $25, which covers all regular games except one special game.

Tickets for the Ayden Stahl Bingo Benefit can be purchased at the company’s Facebook page, through Square or at the door. Tickets purchased via Square before March 25 will have seats reserved from noon to 1 p.m.

There also will be a Chinese auction. Dinner options will be available for $12. Guests are encouraged to arrive before 1:30 p.m. due to the anticipated large turnout.

“No words can truly express the grief felt by his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire community,” read a post on the Roscoe VFC Facebook page. “In moments like these, small towns like ours show their true strength. Roscoe and the California Area have always been communities that stand together – in times of celebration and in times of hardship.”

California Area Drama Club’s presentation of Mary Poppins was rescheduled from this past weekend to the upcoming weekend due to inclement weather. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday and at 7 p.m. Saturday at California Area High School. Proceeds from the 50/50 collected during the performances will be donated to the family of Ayden Stahl.

California Youth Basketball Association planned to collect donations during its All-Star events Monday evening.

“The untimely passing of one of our very own, a former CYBA player, has hit our hearts hard,” read a post on that organization’s Facebook page. “At times like this a lot of people want to help in any way possible.”

In a letter posted on social media, Dr. Laura Jacob, superintendent of the California Area School District, said crisis support would be available at the district Monday with licensed professionals and counselors, as well as a therapy dog team.

“We stand together as a community, united in support of the family during this profound loss,” the letter read. “In times of collective heartache, our collective strength comes from the way we care for one another, ensuring that no one has to navigate their grief in isolation.”