Teenager dies crossing highway in North Versailles

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NORTH VERSAILLES — Police are investigating after a teenager was struck and killed on Route 30 in North Versailles on Monday night.

County investigators tell Channel 11 they believe the victim had been attempting to cross the highway shortly before 6:30 p.m. when she was hit. She was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the victim as 17-year-old Kayonna Harper.

The driver remained on the scene, which was located near the Speedway and O’Reilly Auto Parts. At last check, no charges have been filed. Channel 11 asked police if speed or alcohol were suspected factors, but police would only say that the case remains under investigation.

“It’s sad, it’s a busy roadway here,” said Nathan Brooks, who observed the scene. “There’s a lot of fast-moving cars, at that time of the night, it’s tough to cross the road, so if that’s what happened, yeah, that’s sad and unfortunate. I just pray for the families.”

Ginger Belback, owner of Belback Services, told Channel 11 she frequently sees people walking along the highway and crossing the road to the gas station or other businesses.

“It’s sad, I know some of the people who come through here, they will stop by and say ‘hi’ when we’re outside, it’s a little community,” she said.

Belback told Channel 11 that drivers often speed up and down the highway.

“This just has to stop, people have to be aware of what’s going on.”

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