Just two days before Christmas, the community of Summerville, Jefferson County, is grappling with the tragic loss of Thomas Reitz, a 61-year-old resident, following a devastating single-vehicle accident. The incident occurred on Monday, December 23, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m. along River Road near Mayport in Beaver Township.
Thomas Reitz was behind the wheel of his Toyota Tacoma when he lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a series of collisions. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the truck first struck a guide rail and continued forward for over 200 feet until the rail ended. After veering off the roadway, the vehicle hit a log, which did not stop its descent down an embankment, ultimately crashing head-on into a tree. The impact caused the truck to rotate before coming to rest at the bottom of the embankment.
Emergency services were promptly called to the scene, but despite their swift efforts, Reitz was pronounced dead at the location by the Jefferson County Deputy Coroner. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or driver impairment were contributing factors.
This tragic event has cast a somber mood over the community of Summerville and Jefferson County, especially given the proximity to the holiday season. The untimely death of Thomas Reitz underscores the inherent dangers of road travel and serves as a poignant reminder of the need for caution while driving.
The Pennsylvania State Police are diligently continuing their investigation into the details surrounding the crash. They have issued a call for anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward to aid in their inquiries. As the investigation progresses, additional information, including the official cause of the accident, will be made public.
The Jefferson County community now mourns the loss of one of its residents, offering heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Reitz during their time of grief.
In the meantime, Beaver Township, located in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, remains in the spotlight due to this unfortunate accident. As of the 2020 census, Beaver Township had a population of 1,828, an increase from 1,761 in 2010.
The memory of Thomas Reitz will undoubtedly be honored by those who knew him as the community comes together to support his family and reflect on the impact of this tragic event.
