75-Year-Old New Castle Man Identified as Victim in Fatal Hermitage Car Accident

Accident – Death – Obituary News : HERMITAGE — An unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of a 75-year-old man from New Castle. The three-vehicle accident, which took place on South Hermitage Road, has been identified as the cause of his untimely demise. The deceased has been identified as David C. Chill, a resident of 1006 Shira St., New Castle, according to the office of Mercer County Coroner John Libonati.

In a news release issued this morning, Libonati explained the delay in releasing the decedent’s name was due to the challenging task of locating his next of kin, who reside out of state. It is essential to ensure that the decedent’s family is notified and supported during this difficult time.

The incident occurred around 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday, near the intersection of South Hermitage Road and Hann Hill Road. Reports from the Hermitage police indicate that Chill, who was traveling south, experienced a sudden “cardiac event” that caused his vehicle to veer across the road’s center line. Unfortunately, Chill’s death occurred immediately prior to the accident.

As a result of Chill’s vehicle entering the northbound lane, a collision transpired with another vehicle driven by Bryan Rogers, a 47-year-old resident of Transfer. The impact from the initial collision forcefully propelled Rogers’ vehicle into the path of yet another northbound vehicle, driven by Daniel Wetzel, a 33-year-old resident of Mercer. Regrettably, Rogers sustained significant injuries and was consequently airlifted by a medical helicopter to a regional trauma center. Wetzel, on the other hand, suffered only minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

Upon thorough examination, Mercer County Coroner John Libonati determined that Chill’s cause of death was an apparent heart attack that occurred prior to the accident. This tragic incident highlights the unpredictability of life, as Chill’s cardiac event led to a series of events that unfolded on the road, causing harm to others as well.

The immediate aftermath of the accident demanded the attention of first responders, who promptly arrived at the scene. To ensure the safety of all individuals involved and to conduct a thorough investigation, the highway from Hann Hill Road to Longview Road was cordoned off for several hours. This allowed emergency personnel to tend to the victims and gather crucial evidence to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the accident.

In conclusion, the loss of David C. Chill, a 75-year-old New Castle resident, has left a void in the lives of his loved ones. The tragic accident on South Hermitage Road serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Chill’s family and friends during this challenging time. It is our hope that this incident sparks conversations about the prevention of accidents caused by sudden medical events and promotes awareness regarding the significance of maintaining one’s health for the safety of oneself and others on the road..