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Knoch High School Junior Killed In Rollover Crash On Route 8

PENN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Counselors will be at the Knoch High School and Middle School on Thursday, one day after a crash on Route 8 in Butler County claimed the life of a high school junior.

The crash happened around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday in Penn Township.

Penn Township Police say 16-year-old Cameron Ashton died when he was ejected from the Jeep, which was being driven by a 16-year-old classmate.

cameron-ashton
(Source: Fox Funeral Home)

Police said the Jeep Wrangler hit a building housing the McBride Station Bar and Grill, then rolled back onto the highway, landing on its roof.

Penn Township Police Cpl. Jack D. Ripper said it appeared both speed and inexperience were factors were in the crash.

Cpl. Ripper said the boys were on their way home from the Butler VO Tech School when the jeep went off the road, and then the driver overcompensated when getting back on the highway.

Cpl. Ripper said the driver was wearing a seatbelt and it appeared Ashton was not.

The driver, who was not seriously hurt, got out of the Jeep on his own after the crash and walked into the bar, waiting for paramedics and police to arrive.

A post on the Fox Funeral Home website said Ashton was a lineman on the school's football team and had been on the wrestling team as well.

The South Butler School District said in a statement posted to their website said, in part, "Ashton was loved and respected by teachers and students, and his loss will have a great impact."

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money for funeral costs, which you can find here.

For more information about funeral arrangements, click here.

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