2 teens killed in single-vehicle crash near North Park, police say

MCCANDLESS, Pa. — Two teenagers were killed in an early morning crash in McCandless.

The single-vehicle crash happened near the intersection of Irwin Road and Babcock Boulevard around 3:20 a.m., according to the Allegheny County Police Department. This intersection is adjacent to North Park.

Police say six people were inside the vehicle. An 18-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. A 14-year-old boy was flown to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two passengers were taken to a hospital in stable condition, and two others in the vehicle were not hurt.

“When you’re at an age where you can drive, you’re responsible for everybody in the car,” said 19-year-old driver Rigel Weakland.

The Office of the Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified one of the victims as Taylor Orlowski, 18, of Baden.

The 14-year-old killed has been identified as Jonathan Tourney.

Tourney’s heartbroken neighbors set up a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses. They said the teen was a freshman at Pine-Richland High School where he played on the football team. He also enjoyed ice skating, fishing and anything related to sports.

“It’s just awful that their lives were taken. That’s really nothing that should happen to anybody at such a young age too,” a 20-year-old driver said. “I am so sorry to the families that lost their children. I mean, obviously, it’s a horrific event and I can’t imagine going through that. You have our prayers, everyone that’s looking out for you.”

In a letter sent to families, Pine-Richland School District says there were current and former students of the district in the vehicle. The district says a Pine-Richland High School student died in the crash and at least one other high school student was hurt.

ACPD says its Homicide Unit detectives are investigating.

So far, ACPD says detectives have determined the SUV involved was speeding along Irwin Road when the driver, only identified as an 18-year-old male, lost control and hit a tree.

Pine-Richland says when students return to class on Jan. 3, school counselors, psychologists and Glade Run clinicians will be available to provide support. In the meantime, the district listed several organizations where students or families can get immediate support, like calling or texting the 988 Crisis Lifeline, texting HOME to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line and calling the Resolve Crisis Network at 888-796-8226.

“This is a time for our community and school district to focus on supporting the families impacted by this tragedy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. As we prepare for the transition back to school, we will send additional information regarding our school-based supports for all students, families, and staff,” the district’s letter says in part.

ACPD asks anyone with information about the crash to call the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

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