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Hempfield Area HS Student Remembered After Fatal Crash

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Hempfield Area High School community is reeling after the sudden death of one of its students.

Judson Shiffler, 18, of Irwin, was a senior and captain of the school swim team.

A makeshift memorial, including a high school banner, marks the sport where Judson Shiffler's car slammed into a Route 136 hillside at an intersection.

Shiffer, who was alone in his Chevy Cavalier at the time of the wreck, died of his injuries at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was flown by helicopter.

"He was just a great, well-rounded kid," said friend Marcus Dawson. "His head was on his shoulders, he knew what he was doing, he had a scholarship to swim at college."

While school was on a break because of the holidays, Shiffler had just finished practicing with his high school swim team moments before the crash.

He won the WPIAL title in the 50-meter freestyle last February. And a website listed him 35th on the list of top Pennsylvania High School swimmers.

"Everyone loved him, he loved everyone, he had no problems in school," said Austin Reffo.

State Police continue to look into what may have caused Shiffler to lose control of his car Monday morning.

All possibilities are being investigated. Plans for Shiffler's funeral have not been finalized.

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