California Area student killed in dirt bike crash

Police said the 16-year-old struck a fallen tree Friday night while riding near Adamson Stadium.

A 16-year-old California Area School District student died early Saturday after crashing an electric dirt bike into a fallen tree on a roadway near Adamson Stadium in California Borough.

According to California Police Chief Jim Smith, the teen, who has not been officially identified, was riding an electric dirt bike near Highland Drive behind the stadium at about 8:35 p.m. Friday when the crash occurred.

Smith said a tree fell across the roadway during severe weather, and the teen struck it head-on.

When first responders arrived, they initially located a helmet in the roadway before finding the teen nearby and unresponsive.

Due to extreme weather conditions, a medical helicopter was unable to respond.

The teen was first transported by ambulance to Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital in Carroll Township before being transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and later to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Smith said.

Smith described the crash as a tragic accident and emphasized that investigators found no indication the teen was operating the dirt bike improperly.

“A young person lost their life,” Smith said. “We know it was not excessive speed, we know he was wearing a helmet, we know there were no drugs or alcohol involved. A tree fell across the road. This is a tragedy.”

Smith said he wants the community to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“He did not do anything wrong,” Smith said.

The fallen tree had not yet been reported to emergency responders before the crash occurred.

“The department was actually out on another call for trees down when this call came in,” Smith said. “Thank God for the university police assisting us. They were a tremendous help.”

Smith, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, said incidents involving young victims are particularly difficult.

“I have a very young police force, and I know this day is something that will stick with them for the rest of their lives,” Smith said. “In my 30-plus years in law enforcement, you remember the young ones. You always remember the lives that were cut too short in a tragedy like this.”

California police were assisted at the scene by PennWest California University Police, the California Volunteer Fire Department and Brownsville EMS.

Fundraisers planned

Community members and local organizations are planning several fundraisers to support the student’s family.

In a letter sent to families, California Area School District officials said grief counselors and therapy dogs will be available for students and staff when they return to school.

“The California Area Trojan family mourns with and offers our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones most impacted by this tragedy,” the district wrote. “We stand together as a community, united in support of the family during this profound loss.”

Following the tragedy, youth organizations and local firefighters have begun organizing efforts to help the family.

The Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company announced plans for a boot drive fundraiser and a community bingo benefit, with all proceeds going to the family.

“During times of tragedy, it is the strength of a community that helps families carry the weight of loss,” the department wrote in a social media post. “We encourage everyone to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and to stand united as a community that cares for one another.”

Fire officials said the community has already begun rallying together.

“Our community has always taken pride in looking out for one another,” the fire company wrote. “One of the best parts of living in a small town is how we come together during difficult times to support our neighbors. Right now, our community is rallying together. The Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company is proud to help lead this effort, and we invite everyone in the community to join us in showing the strength, compassion and generosity that make our town so special.”

A boot drive fundraiser will be held from noon to 3 p.m. March 22 with firefighters collecting donations along Route 88 in front of the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company and at the top of Elco Hill.

Donations can be made in cash or by check.

A bingo benefit is also scheduled for March 28 at the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company. Doors will open at 2 p.m., with bingo beginning at 5 p.m.

Admission is $25, and tickets can be purchased online at https://square.link/u/c8HvLYnG or at the door if available.

Admission includes all regular games except one special game. Additional cards and special games will also be available for purchase. All regular games will feature a $200 payout, while two special games will offer $400 payouts. Organizers are also planning two $1,000 jackpot games.

A large basket auction will be held during the event, and organizers said participants do not need to purchase bingo tickets to enter the basket drawings.

Dinner options will also be available for $12, including ham barbecue with macaroni and cheese, pasta with Italian bread, or chicken with macaroni and cheese, each served with a drink.

Tickets purchased online through Square before March 25 will have seats reserved from noon to 1 p.m. Organizers said those wishing to sit together should purchase tickets in the same transaction, as tickets purchased separately may be seated apart. No refunds will be provided.

Organizers said all proceeds from the event will go to the student’s family. Staff and volunteers donating their time during the event will also collect tips, which will be donated to the family.

California Youth Basketball also collected donations during its events Sunday evening.

“The untimely passing of one of our very own, a former CYBA player, has hit our hearts hard,” the organization wrote in a social media post. “At times like this a lot of people want to be able to help in any way possible.”

The organization will place a firefighter’s boot at the entrance of the gym during the All-Star and Coaches games tonight to allow attendees to contribute.

“All monetary donations will go directly to the family,” the organization wrote. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the family and California community during this difficult time.”