Hustontown woman, 18, dies in crash on U.S. 522 near McConnellsburg

February 02, 2012|By DAN DEARTH and JENNIFER FITCH | dan.dearth@herald-mail.com

McCONNELLSBURG, Pa. — A Hustontown, Pa., teenager died Wednesday night when the car she was driving went off the roadway and struck some trees near McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Ashlyn N. Buterbaugh, 18, of 243 N. Clear Ridge Road was pronounced dead at the scene by Fulton County Coroner Berley Souders, according to a state police news release.

She was vice president of the 38-member senior class at Forbes Road Senior High School in Waterfall, Pa.

Troopers said they received a call at 10:27 p.m. for a vehicle accident in the 32700 block of Great Cove Road, or U.S. 522.

An investigation showed that Buterbaugh was driving north in a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier when the vehicle went into a large ditch and struck three trees. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof, blocking the southbound lane of travel, police said.

Buterbaugh was not wearing a seat belt, police said.

Forbes Road Principal Christina Ramsey said the school used in-house staff, grief counselors, area pastors and counselors from county human services organizations to help students Thursday. It set up grieving stations in various parts of the school and allowed students to leave class at any time to visit them.

“They’re available Friday and Monday, as well,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey called all faculty and staff into the auditorium when they arrived at school Thursday, then called in the students upon their arrival to address what happened.

The school district sent a letter to parents explaining that a student died in a vehicle accident.

“She was very well liked,” Ramsey said.

Buterbaugh enjoyed poetry and photography, and although she was a self-described procrastinator, she was also organized and independent, Ramsey said.

Buterbaugh participated in Future Business Leaders of America; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; student council; Students Against Destructive Decisions; and the kayaking club.

Buterbaugh planned to study social work at Millersville (Pa.) University this fall, Ramsey said.

Senior class members are talking about ways to memorialize Buterbaugh at their upcoming milestones, like the prom, where they will miss her, according to Ramsey.

“They’re really worried about each other,” she said.

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