• by Boredlisted

Pennsylvania student killed in freak accident

A Malvern Preparatory School student has been identified as the young male who died Tuesday morning after a deer struck by one vehicle was thrown into the path of another on Route 322 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

School officials said Kevin Donohue was on his way to school when the accident occurred.

“Kevin was an exceptional young man who embodied the very best characteristics of a Malvern Prep student,” school officials said in a letter to the community. “He will be deeply missed.”

The crash happened around 7 a.m. on Route 322 (Downingtown Pike), east of Romig Road. Police said a vehicle traveling eastbound hit a deer, sending the animal airborne into the westbound lane.

The deer landed on the windshield of a second vehicle traveling westbound.

Donohue, who was in the front passenger seat of the second vehicle, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

“This loss is a profound tragedy that has impacted our students, faculty, staff, and community... Our immediate focus is on surrounding his family with compassion and ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff are supported as we grieve together,” said Head of School Patrick Sillup in a statement.

The vehicle that initially struck the deer did not stop and has not been identified. Investigators believe it may be a black Toyota Sienna with heavy front-end damage.

The road was closed for several hours and reopened around 10 a.m.

Residents in the area say deer-related crashes are a recurring issue, especially during the darker months.

“You have to drive a lot at night, especially in the winter season,” said Clarabelle Hernandez of Coatesville. “There's going to be a lot of animals moving for hibernation and there's going to be more people driving in darker scenarios.”

“It's very dark,” added Debbie Pope of East Bradford Township. “There's a lot of roads, especially Boot Road and 322. I don't even drive down there at night because I can't even see and it's difficult.”

Donohue was a sophomore and a talented member of the Malvern Prep lacrosse team. He was expected to graduate from Malvern Prep with the class of 2027. His brother and father are also alumni of the school.

Those who live near the Donahue family in Downingtown say they are beyond heartbroken.

“I could only imagine what the family is going through, having lost a young son,” said Jason Lazurick of Downingtown.

“As someone who drives children around these roads often, and we know many other people who do, it's a very sad scenario. That is, you just can't be prepared for anything like that, ever,” added Judy Anstraus.

School officials said the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) will be on campus to provide counseling support.

The investigation is ongoing.