JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA. (THECOUNT) — Just two days before Christmas, a tragic single-vehicle accident claimed the life of Thomas Reitz, a 61-year-old resident of Summerville, Jefferson County. The incident occurred on Monday, December 23, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m. along River Road near Mayport in Beaver Township.
Tom Reitz was driving a Toyota Tacoma when he lost control of the vehicle, leading to a series of collisions. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the truck first struck a guide rail, but continued forward for over 200 feet until the rail ended. After leaving the roadway, it hit a log, which did not stop its descent down an embankment where it ultimately crashed into a tree head-on. The impact caused the truck to rotate before coming to rest at the bottom of the embankment.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, Reitz was pronounced dead at the location by the Jefferson County Deputy Coroner. The exact cause of the crash, including whether road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or driver impairment were factors, has not been immediately disclosed by the authorities.
This event casts a shadow over the community of Summerville and Jefferson County as a whole, particularly given the proximity to the holiday season. The death of Thomas Reitz underscores the inherent dangers of road travel and the need for caution while driving.
The Pennsylvania State Police are continuing their investigation into the details of the crash. They urge anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward to aid in their inquiries. Additional information, including the official cause of the accident, will be released as the investigation progresses.
The Jefferson County community now mourns the loss of one of its residents, offering condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Reitz in their time of grief.
Beaver Township is a township in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,828 at the 2020 census, an increase over the figure of 1,761 tabulated in 2010.
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