TEXAS TOWNSHIP -- A deadly pile up on Interstate 84 near Milford damaged more than a dozen cars and took the lives of a father and son.
Troopers say 34-year-old Pablo Pons was killed. His 13-year-old son Matthew was taken to the hospital, but later died as well. Pons wife was also injured. Their van hit a patch of black ice and overturned.
Many who knew the family because of their Italian deli in Honesdale are now devastated.
“My daughter played ball with Matthew and my step-son is like best friends with Matthew. They all played ball together. It`s very devastating, like very devastating,” said Heidi Schumacher of Honesdale.School officials say Matthew Pons was a
School officials say Matthew Pons was a seventh grade student at Wayne Highlands Middle School.
Pablo, better known as Paul, ran the Arthur Avenue Italian Deli with family in the Route 6 Plaza. It’s where the community began a makeshift memorial.
Lois Cudemo works just a few doors down from the deli and says she put a “Store Closed” sign up on the door for the family.
"When an accident like this happens, you don`t know how to handle it right away and it will take a while and I hope they can come back,” said Cudemo.
The memorial of flowers, cards, and candles continued to grow for the Pons family throughout the day Monday and now neighboring stores in the shopping complex say they`re trying to help out as well.
"I don`t know what can be done or what you can say in a situation like this, but if I can help in any way that`s what I`m going to do,” said Schumacher.
Schumacher is collecting money for a memorial fund at the Weis Market and says most businesses here are already pitching in.
The Mercados of Hawley say this was one of the best places for authentic Italian cold cuts, cheese, and bread. But they can’t imagine what the family is going through after losing a father and son.
"Very sweet, very nice, I feel so bad,” said Yolanda Mercado of Hawley.
"Oh yeah, because we knew the people, you know it`s a nice family. You don`t want to hear things like that, especially when you`re young, you know,” said Hubert Mercado.
Troopers said both Pablo Pons and his son were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
Counselors were on hand at the Wayne Highlands School District Monday and school officials tell us they will be made available as needed throughout the days to come.
