Head-On Collision in Toby Township Resulting in Three Deaths – On Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2025, a tragic head-on collision occurred on Route 68 in Toby Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including two 16-year-old students. The victims of the crash have been identified as Christopher McNutt, 55, of Sligo; Cambrie Priester, 16, of Rimersburg; and Landon Akins, 16, of Cadogan, Armstrong County. All three victims died at the scene due to blunt force trauma.
The collision was reported to Clarion County 9-1-1 at approximately 3:10 p.m. The incident occurred near the address 12057 State Route 68, close to the Sligo Auto Salvage yard, which is located in the rural area of Sligo. According to initial reports, the crash was a result of a head-on collision between two vehicles, although further details on the circumstances leading up to the accident have not yet been fully released by authorities.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, with multiple units responding to the devastating crash. The responding teams included the Sligo Volunteer Fire Department, Rimersburg Hose Company, East Brady Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Clarion County Ambulance Service, and the Clarion-based State Police. Despite the swift response from these dedicated first responders, all three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene by Clarion County Coroner Dan Shingledecker.
As a result of the crash, Route 68 remained closed for several hours while emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and conduct an investigation into the cause of the collision. The closure caused significant disruptions to local traffic, and drivers were advised to seek alternate routes until the road was reopened later in the evening.
In the wake of the tragedy, Union School District Superintendent Dr. John Kimmel issued a statement expressing the district’s sorrow over the loss of Cambrie Priester, a student at Union High School, and Landon Akins, who was a close friend of Priester’s and a member of the school community. Christopher McNutt, the third victim, was identified as a guardian of Union School District students, further highlighting the profound impact of the loss on the community.
The district has made arrangements to offer support to those affected by the tragedy. Counselors, staff members, and local clergy will be available to assist students, faculty, and the wider community in dealing with the emotional fallout from the crash. Dr. Kimmel emphasized the importance of providing resources to help individuals cope with the grief and trauma that often accompanies such an unexpected and devastating loss.
The accident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from local residents, as well as from individuals connected to the families of the victims. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, the community remains in mourning, with the tragic loss of young lives serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers of the road and the unpredictable nature of accidents.
Local authorities are expected to release more information as they complete their investigation into the crash, including any potential factors that may have contributed to the accident. Until then, the community of Sligo, as well as the families of the victims, will continue to mourn the loss of three lives taken far too soon.
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