Hempfield Twp. Crash Victim Declared Brain Dead

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The driver injured when his vehicle crashed on a wooded hillside in Westmoreland County on Monday has been declared brain dead.

Judson Shiffler, 18, of Irwin, remains on life support at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

On Monday morning, Shiffler's car went off the road on Route 136 in Hempfield Township and careened up a hillside and into the trees.

It's unclear what caused the teenager to crash, whether it was a medical emergency, drowsy driving or some other factor.

Emergency responders said he was in critical condition when he was transported from the scene in critical condition.

They said they had to use a ladder and the jaws of life to get Shiffler out of the car.

Shiffler was a senior at Hempfield High School where he was the captain of the swim team.

The crash remains under investigation.