Police try to work out timeline in fatal crash

Yough School District brought in counselors Monday as students returned to class.

The grief surrounding Saturday’s crash that killed four Yough High School students continues to ripple across the community, where fundraisers, memorials and calls for answers are bringing people together in the days following the tragedy.

State police are still working to piece together what happened in the early morning hours along Derr Road in Sewickley Township, just outside Yukon.

Investigators said the four teens — Rocco A. Zugai, 18, who was driving, Brady D. Hunker, 15, Felicity M. Martini, 15, and Kylee Nicole Korber, 16 — were last known to have communicated with someone around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The crash was not reported until 3:31 a.m., when a passing motorist came upon the scene.

Trooper Steve Limani said investigators believe the crash occurred “significantly” earlier than when it was reported, noting the fire that engulfed the vehicle had largely extinguished itself by the time emergency crews were called.

“They were obviously headed somewhere and they came from some place, and we don’t know the answers to those two questions,” Limani said.

Police said the vehicle, a Kia Forte, crashed into a tree along the rural roadway. Speed is believed to be a factor. The impact and resulting fire destroyed much of the evidence inside the vehicle, including cellphones that could have helped investigators retrace the teens’ movements.

Hunker was found outside the vehicle, and investigators are working to determine whether he was ejected or managed to exit the car after the crash.

All four students were identified through DNA testing. Autopsies and toxicology results are pending.

Limani said investigators are asking anyone who may have been in contact with the teens or knows where they were prior to the crash to come forward, as police work to establish a clearer timeline.

“If you’re a student that has some answers … maybe talk to your parents, a guidance counselor, somebody at the school,” he said.

As the investigation continues, the loss has been felt across the Yough School District, where students returned to class Monday in what Superintendent Anthony DeMaro described as an effort to restore some sense of normalcy.

“We felt it’s best to have our kids here today,” DeMaro said. “This happened Friday night. Being at home Saturday, being at home Sunday, we need to get our kids in here.”

School counselors were joined by mental health professionals from multiple neighboring districts. Additional support — including a therapy dog from the Mt. Pleasant Borough Police Department — has been made available to students.

Meanwhile, the community response has been swift and widespread.

An impromptu memorial continues to grow near the crash site, where friends, family and residents have left flowers, candles and photographs.

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser held Sunday drew strong support, and additional efforts are already underway.

A larger community fundraiser, “Yough Strong” spaghetti dinner and auction is scheduled for April 25 at the Lowber VFC hall from 3 to 7 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the families.

A public memorial and prayer service will be held Thursday at Sutersville Methodist Church. The church will open at 6:30 p.m., with a service beginning at 7 p.m., offering the community a chance to gather, reflect and support one another.

Online fundraising efforts have also gained traction.

Several GoFundMe campaigns have been established for the victims’ families: • https://gofund.me/714a764ab.

• https://gofund.me/1c8af2454.

• https://gofund.me/389bc58ce. A meal train has also been organized to assist one of the families with daily meals:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ d/1E62DHYHTK9cSyQh-KIHMX7G6M1fNZNcXTbWjIOvjtQHc/ htmlview.

Organizers said the outpouring of support reflects the depth of the loss felt throughout the region.

“This community is hurting,” one post circulating online stated. “They will need all the support they can get.”

State police continue to ask anyone with information about the teens’ whereabouts prior to the crash to contact investigators at 724-832-3288.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The Tribune Review contributed to this report.