NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA. (THECOUNT) — In a letter to parents Friday, Nazareth Area School District principal Alan David, attempted to enlist help in censoring what he called, “insensitive and hurtful comments,” posted about the fatal police pursuit crash of Nazareth student Anthony P. “Andy” Yerance last weekend. The crash also injured a fellow classmate, 18-year-old Aaron D. Dotter.
David called out comments that “vilified” Yerance, in a move that may have contributed to the shuttering of the comments section of several local news outlets reporting on the tragic Sunday, Jan. 26, crash.
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The principal’s comments have now raised the bigger question, is it not appropriate for people to express themselves, voicing concerns over what can only be described as an irresponsible act resulting in death, injury and the endangerment of the public?
According to reports, Yerance was drag racing when he allegedly fled police who were responding to multiple complaints of speeding vehicles and possible shots fired.
Yerance, also 18, lost control of his pickup truck and was killed in a resulting rollover crash.
Dotter, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
David asked for help in “monitoring comments,” leading to the comment section about the crash on LehighValleyLive to be “shut down.”
Davis via the letter send home to parents:
“I would like to remind our Nazareth community how important it is to be considerate of and sensitive to the feelings of others when a death occurs,” Davis wrote to parents and guardians.
“Recognizing that a range of emotions and opinions exist surrounding the circumstances of the accident, I would encourage you to speak with your child and partner with us in asking them to refrain from verbalizing and/or posting remarks that are insensitive and hurtful to those close to Anthony and Aaron.
“Our Blue Eagle community needs to stick together and support one another during difficult times.”
Pennsylvania State Police say they are continuing to investigate the crash.
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Geo quick facts: Nazareth Area School District is a public school district, located in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It serves the boroughs of Nazareth, Stockertown, and Tatamy; as well as Bushkill, Lower Nazareth, and Upper Nazareth Townships – Wikipedia.