Teenage boy killed in accident in Bethel Park

BETHEL PARK, Pa. — Police in Bethel Park are investigating an accident that left a teenage boy dead on Sunday morning.

Shane Phillips, 16, of South Park, was killed in the accident.%

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According to Bethel Park Police, the accident took place just before 1 a.m. on Sunday in the 1400 black of Stoltz Road.

“We heard the crash. The car hit the neighbor’s trees and took out a fire hydrant, and was halfway in our yard and halfway on Stoltz Road,” said Elizabeth Pagano, a neighbor.

Three teenagers were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Phillips was transported from the scene to St. Clair Hospital to be treated for injuries. The condition of the driver and other passenger is unknown.

“Apparently he was his best friend. He was just sobbing, then all the parents showed up,” said Bob Russo, who lives at the corner of Stoltz and Plantation roads.

Before paramedics arrived, Staff Sgt. Matthew Claycomb was lost and came upon the accident while driving.

Claycomb posted this message on his Facebook page, ““I talked to him (Phillips), tried what I could to stop the bleeding and it did not help.  Here was a young man clinging to life, and maybe a few hours earlier was laughing and having fun being a teen.”

According to the medical examiner, Phillips was pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m.

Phillips was a sophomore at South Park High School and a linebacker for the school’s football team.

"Shane was a quality human being, a starting linebacker for our team. He got himself into the starting lineup as a sophomore which is a huge compliment. Very hard working kid," said Marty Rieck, head football coach.

A letter to families from the South Park superintendent said the following:

“Dear South Park Families,

Our school district and community are coping with a tragedy today. South Park sophomore Shane Phillips was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning in Bethel Park.

Tomorrow will be a difficult day for all of us. Grief counselors will be available in all three school buildings for both students and staff.”

An autopsy is scheduled for later today. The investigation is ongoing.

Cox Media Group