WORTH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man is facing charges in a three-vehicle crash in Mercer County on Wednesday morning that left two people dead, including a teacher at a Western Pennsylvania school district.
The crash happened around 7:44 a.m. in the area of 2239 Sandy Lake Grove City Road in Worth Township.
Two of the drivers were already dead when officers arrived on scene. They were identified as Luke Mulford, 29, of Butler, and Sandra Marwick, 68, of Sandy Lake.
According to the criminal complaint, a witness told police that the driver of a Pontiac Firebird, later identified as Aric Abrams, 47, was failing to stay in his lane and crossed into the opposite lane several times, eventually sideswiping a Jeep driven by Marwick.
Following the impact, Marwick lost control of her Jeep and traveled into the northbound lanes, hitting an Audi driven by Mulford head-on.
Abrams told officers that he used cocaine two days ago and drank alcohol the night prior, according to the complaint. Police said that he refused to submit a blood test and was taken into custody.
Officers then obtained a search warrant for a blood sample for Abrams, who was taken to Grove City Hospital.
Abrams was eventually taken to the Mercer County Jail and is facing several charges, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, careless driving unintentionally causing a death and reckless driving.
Court records show one prior DUI conviction for Abrams in 2005.
Marwick was a teacher in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District.
District superintendent David McDeavitt released the following statement on its Facebook page:
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of one of our teachers, Sandra Marwick, who was tragically involved in a car accident yesterday morning on her way to work.
“This is an unimaginable loss for her family, the WSTU program, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. She was a dedicated educator who made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and colleagues.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep Sandra and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”
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