Boy, 15, critically injured in Beaver Co. crash; Police say speed contributed

BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after a car with four Freedom Area High School students crashed in Beaver County early Monday morning.

According to emergency responders, the accident happened just after midnight on Reno Street Extension.

According to police, Emily Parrish, 18, lost control of the car she was driving, and it crashed into a pole before it flipped down a hill.

Officers said 15-year-old Cody Zedak, who was in the front passenger seat, was seriously hurt.  Officials at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital said he’s in critical condition.

His family members said he has brain injuries and will have to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery.

Also in the car were Marshall McBride and Zedak’s twin sister, Kyleigh Zedak. Parrish, McBride and Kyleigh Zedak suffered minor injuries, officials said.

New Sewickley police told Channel 11’s Dave Bondy that they believe speed was a factor in the crash.

“These are country roads. They take twists and turns and you really need to pay attention to the speed limit,” New Sewickley police Chief Ron Leindecker said.

Leindecker said accidents like this are a good opportunity for parents to remind their children about safe driving.

“You have to slow down and you have to pay attention. Getting there quicker just isn’t worth it,” Leindecker said.

The accident remains under investigation.

WPXI