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Teen Killed, 2 Others Injured In Butler Co. Crash

PENN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A one-vehicle accident overnight claimed the life of a teenager in Butler County.

The accident happened around 12:30 a.m. on Meridian Road in Penn Township.

All that was left was the mangled wreckage of the car carrying 18-year-old Ethan Linnon, who was believed to be driving, and two female passengers who were both injured.

The funeral home handling the victim's funeral arrangements posted on obituary online Saturday for the victim.

Police say they believe the driver was speeding when his car hit a crest in the road and went airborne. The vehicle slammed into a tree before coming to rest in a wooded area.

Joann Pinto has known Linnon since he was in daycare.

"When I got the word this morning, it was heartbreaking," said Pinto. "My heart goes out to his family."

Alisha Wetzel, a student at Butler High School, was acquainted with Linnon and one of his passengers, identified as Hanna Starcher.

"I saw Ethan in sociology class on Friday, and I saw Hanna in my classes," said Wetzel.

The other passenger is identified as Nicole Fry.

The two girls were taken to local hospitals. Linnon was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Ethan was so nice to everybody and had so much spirit, and Hanna was so nice and such a good friend to everybody," said Wetzel. "It was so shocking, I couldn't believe it."

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Police say speed may have been a factor.

Now, Pinto says a great kid will be dearly missed.

"This is a hard way to learn a lesson, but for all you young kids out there, if it means anything, just take your time and be safe because no parent or sibling wants to go through what these parents and grandparents and siblings are going through now," she said.

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