Local middle school mourning after student killed in car accident

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — Counselors and coaches were on hand at Beth Center Middle school after the death of a 13-year-old student. Seventh-grader Jayden Anderson was killed Friday in a car accident on Sunset Drive in West Pike Run Township.

“Jayden stood out, not just on the athletic field, but in the classroom, in the hall, he was Mister Personality,” said Gary Welsh, Anderson’s English teacher.

“It’s a tremendous loss... our hearts go out to his family and everyone close to him. It’s a tough time for Beth Center.”

Pennsylvania State Police say Jayden was a passenger in a car that was speeding as it went around a curve in the road. The driver lost control before hitting the hillside and rolling multiple times.

The driver was flown from the scene. A 13-year-old in the back seat survived the crash with minor injuries. A neighbor ran out to help and comfort him. “He was screaming for Jayden. He was screaming for his mom,” Brenda said.

Brenda didn’t want to share her last name. She said the crash was devastating, just months after she lost a son of her own.

“Jayden had a lot people who loved him, I’ll tell you that,” Brenda said. “It showed by all these cars coming here. My heart just goes out to his mom and his dad.”

A friend of Jayden told Channel 11′s Cara Sapida that he had raw talent as an athlete, but beyond that was kind, respectful and made his friends feel seen.

His English teacher agreed. “Just a great kid with a bright future gone way too soon. He will be missed.”

Road rage incident in Salem Township leads to charges

©2022 Cox Media Group