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Community Reacts to Triple Fatal Crash

The community is reacting to the deaths of three people who died over the weekend in Schuylkill County. Authorities said none of the victims was searing seat be...

The community is reacting to the deaths of three people who died over the weekend in Schuylkill County.

Authorities said none of the victims was searing seat belts.

The number of flowers and make-shift memorials are growing where three people lost their lives early Saturday morning on Route 61 near Frackville.

The driver, Shawn Centeleghe,19, and his passengers Jason Engleman, 23, and Cassandra Snyder, 16, were killed.

Police said the car went out of control, became airborne and ended up in a tree, after crashing through a billboard. The force sheered off a steel beam from the sign.

Cassendra Snyder is remembered as an honor student at Pottsville Area High School.
Superintendent of schools Dr. Jeffrey Zwiebel said the school's staff and students are dealing with the tragedy.

"It's very difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone who was lost in this accident," said Dr. Zwiebel.

High school student Brianna Lotz is shocked over the loss. 

"When I woke up and I heard the news it's so unexpected. It can happen to anybody it's just so sad," said Lotz.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan said speed contributed to the deaths.

"The human body is not meant to be a ballistic missile to strike objects and decelerate," said Dr. Moylan.

He believes if the victims wore seat belts they may be alive today.

"For God's sake when you are in a car make sure that the love ones that you treasure in that car are belted in," said Dr. Moylan

State police said the driver, Shawn Centeleghe, was going to fast for conditions and it was raining at the time.

Daniella Woiski, 17, didn't know the victims but said the crash will change her driving habits. 

"I don't think I will be driving in the rain anytime soon. Even my mom is pretty cautious about letting me drive now after that," said Woiski.

Authorities said the crash which claimed three lives is still under investigation.

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