Authorities have confirmed the identities of two men who were killed in a devastating two-vehicle crash Saturday along Route 711 near the Cambria County line in Saint Clair Township. According to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the victims were 73-year-old Ronald Drylie and 68-year-old Joel Hunt, both residents of Bolivar. The tragic collision occurred when two SUVs crashed head-on, claiming both drivers’ lives and injuring a teenage passenger.
Investigators said Drylie was driving north on Route 711 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed the center line and slammed into Hunt’s southbound SUV. The impact caused heavy damage to both vehicles and left the roadway littered with debris. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls, working quickly to aid the victims and secure the crash site, which was closed for several hours during the investigation.
Officials reported that Drylie was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers noted he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a detail included in their ongoing review. Hunt, the driver of the second SUV, was treated at the scene and then transported to Conemaugh Hospital, where he later died from his injuries despite extensive medical efforts. The county coroner’s office has notified both families.
A 16-year-old passenger riding in Drylie’s vehicle was also injured in the collision. First responders provided immediate medical aid before transporting the teen for evaluation. While the extent of the injuries has not been released, authorities confirmed that the teenager survived the crash. The PSP Crash Reconstruction Unit and Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office are working together to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Preliminary reports show that weather and road conditions were clear at the time of the crash, though investigators have not ruled out other possible causes such as fatigue or distraction. Toxicology testing, mechanical inspections, and witness interviews are ongoing as part of the comprehensive review.
The tragedy has left residents of Saint Clair Township mourning the loss of two longtime community members. Police have reminded drivers to stay alert, wear seatbelts, and exercise caution on rural roads like Route 711, where narrow lanes and sharp curves can quickly turn dangerous. The investigation remains active under the supervision of Pennsylvania State Police at Greensburg.