Beaver Falls, PA — A tragic crash in Beaver Falls, Beaver County, on Sunday afternoon has left two people dead and two others injured, prompting police to file multiple charges against the driver believed to be responsible.
The incident occurred along 7th Avenue just before 3:30 p.m., involving two vehicles and a pedestrian, according to witnesses.
The Beaver County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 23-year-old Sheylee Young-Davis, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another victim, 25-year-old Matthew Lance Jr., was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to witnesses, a pickup truck and a sedan were involved in the crash, which also caused a tree to fall into the middle of the street.
Local resident Carrie Legzdin described the horrifying moment:
“I could see him coming up here, flying,” she said. “That red car was trying to come out, and he hit the red car, and the pedestrian was coming out of Beaver Mart, and he hit her, and she was underneath the car.”
The driver of the pickup truck, 45-year-old Israel Tun Cooch, of Cranberry Township, was also airlifted to a Pittsburgh-area hospital with an unknown injury.
Multiple witnesses reported that a 48-year-old female pedestrian was pinned under the sedan. She was transported to a nearby hospital with “a severe injury,” according to Beaver Falls police.
Carrie Legzdin expressed disbelief at the loss of life:
“Two lives are taken in an hour. That just blew my mind,” Legzdin said.
Residents gathered at the scene to witness the aftermath, including Hope Simmons, who shared her sorrow:
“I feel really bad for the family who has to deal with their child being dead or mother or sister or whoever,” she said.
Simmons also highlighted her concern for pedestrian safety in the area:
“It’s horrible because what happens if it was anyone else? It could have been anybody. There are pedestrians. There’s a whole bunch of people,” Simmons said. “This road is normally crazy, and I normally walk on it. I go across the street, and it’s just nuts seeing this.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Beaver Falls Mayor Dr. Kenya Johns released a statement on social media urging unity and compassion:
“Let us come together in empathy, not in judgment. Our community’s strength lies in our ability to support one another, especially when the weight of grief is heavy. Please, let’s show the decency and respect that every grieving family deserves,” Mayor Johns said. “We are Beaver Falls. We are better than this. Please pray for all those impacted.”
Following the investigation, police have charged Tun Cooch with multiple offenses, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle, and other DUI-related charges. The Pennsylvania State Police are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
