Local

Moon Area High School student killed, another teen injured in crash on I-79

An 18-year-old was killed in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 Wednesday.

Luke Cooper, of Crescent, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred after 10 p.m. in Franklin Park, just north of the I-279 split.

Cooper was the driver of the vehicle, which may have encountered standing water and hydroplaned, according to state police.

The passenger, an 18-year-old male, was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital with a suspected minor injury.

A spokesperson for the Moon Area School District sent Channel 11 the following statement:

“We were deeply saddened to learn that a student at Moon Area High School was in a fatal car accident last evening. Due to student confidentiality laws, we are unable to confirm the student’s name or age.

We have additional counselors available at the High School for students and staff members in need of grief support.

On behalf of the Moon Area School District community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.”