Authorities ID Knoch High School student killed in West Sunbury crash

WEST SUNBURY, Pa. — Authorities have identified the teenager who was killed in a fiery crash in West Sunbury late Wednesday night.

Investigators said Alexis McKinney, 15, was killed in the accident that happened just after 11 p.m. on Thompson Town Road.

Officials said Bryant Butler, 17, was driving the car, lost control and it rolled over. Butler was also injured in the crash and flown to Allegheny General Hospital. His condition has not been released.

Don Dingel, who lives nearby, said he was the first to get to the scene of the devastating crash. He said he saw McKinney and Butler lying on the road. Both were ejected from the Chevy Blazer they were in.

"I was helpless. I was the only one here until the girl came along. I didn't know what to do," Dingel said.

Dingel said he dragged the unconscious boy away from the burning SUV, fearing it would explode. A woman driving by stopped to help and performed CPR on McKinney, who later died.

Investigators have not determined what caused the crash, but people who live nearby said this was the third bad accident on the same stretch of road recently.

One of McKinney’s close friends, Taylor Dolniak, said they were in the process of planning her “Sweet 16” birthday party. Dolniak said McKinney went to Knoch High School.

“I’m going to miss telling her my stories because now who am I going to get advice from?” Dolniak said. “One of my friends forwarded me the news story and I immediately started crying. I still can’t believe it happened.”

Officials said neither teen was wearing a seat belt. The crash remains under investigation.

The South Butler County School District released the following statement Thursday: "The entire South Butler County School District community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Alexis McKinney, who would have entered 11th grade at Knoch High School in August. She was active in school activities, Alexis was a positive influence on friends, classmates and district staff. Counselors have been assembled for South Butler County School District students requiring assistance during the grieving process. Counselors will initially be available at Knoch High School on Friday, July 13 and Monday July 16 from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. with additional services provided as needed."

WPXI