An arrest warrant was issued Tuesday for a Fairchance man who was reportedly driving at least 117 mph in a 55-mph zone, under the influence of marijuana when he allegedly caused an accident that killed two people in September.
Tristian Michael Lukehart, 21, of East Church Street hit a vehicle on Route 51 at its intersection with Smock Road in Franklin Township at about 9:30 p.m. Sept. 20, police said. Gerome A. Garbutt, 45, and his wife, Jacklyn L. Garbutt, 36, both of Smock, were in the second vehicle and reportedly died on impact.
Lukehart was also injured, along with his passengers, Austin Dudley and Brandon Smith, both 18 and of Fairchance. Dudley and Smith were seriously injured, according to court paperwork. The extent of Lukehart’s injuries was not detailed in court documents.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case, Lukehart was driving south when Garbutt’s vehicle was turning left from Route 51 northbound onto Smock Road.
“Subsequent investigation and crash reconstruction revealed that approximately 5 seconds prior to the crash, Lukehart was traveling upward of 117 mph and impacted the other vehicle at approximately 94 mph,” Trooper Steven Law wrote in the affidavit.
A blood draw reportedly revealed Lukehart was under the influence of marijuana.
Lukehart is charged with two counts each of homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter and DUI, and four counts each of aggravated assault by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and reckless endangerment, in addition to traffic citations.
Charges were filed by state police before Fayette County Magisterial District Judge Richard A. Kasunic II.
The Garbutts were married for 10 years, according to their obituaries.
“Each made the other a better person,” her obituary said.
(2) comments
How tragic. I hope this helps the family get closure.
There's never closure when you lose loved ones. You just lean on God and he helps you to push through daily. Gerome and Jackie deserve justice and that's what our Lord has given them and the family. 🙏
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