Three Identified in Fatal Christmas Day Crash Near Bald Eagle State Park
HOWARD TOWNSHIP — Authorities have identified the three people killed in a devastating Christmas Day motor vehicle crash in Howard Township, an accident that has deeply affected the Keystone Central School District and the greater Clinton County community.
According to the Centre County Coroner’s Office, the victims were Diana Lyons, 37, Richard Harriott, 33, and a 10-year-old boy, all of Lock Haven. The coroner ruled the cause of death for all three as blunt force trauma.
The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 25 on North Eagle Valley Road, just south of Swartz Hollow Road, near Bald Eagle State Park. Pennsylvania State Police said the collision involved a Pontiac carrying five occupants and a Nissan. Troopers reported the vehicles collided head-on.
The driver and two passengers in the Pontiac were pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional passengers in the Pontiac — including a female student from Central Mountain Middle School — were flown by medical helicopter to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. As of the latest update, the student remains in critical condition.
The driver of the Nissan was also transported to a hospital. That individual’s condition has not been released.
In a statement issued by Keystone Central School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Redmon, district officials confirmed that one of the victims was an elementary school student and expressed condolences to the family and school community.
“Our hearts are broken for this family,” Redmon said. “On behalf of the Keystone Central School District, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We also hold the surviving family member in our thoughts and prayers, hoping for strength and healing in the days ahead.”
Redmon said the tragedy has had a profound impact on students, staff, and families throughout the district. Counselors and support staff will be available when school resumes on January 5 to assist anyone struggling with the loss.
“In times such as these, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, connection, and care for one another,” Redmon said. “As a district, we will continue to surround those impacted with kindness and understanding. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”
The district also shared mental health resources for those in need of immediate support, including:
National Mental Health Hotline: (866) 903-3787
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the crash and are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact the Rockview Barracks at 814-355-7545.
