Mary Edwards Obituary, Death – Authorities in Centre County have released the identity of the woman who lost her life in a two-vehicle collision near the Interstate 80 interchange in Bellefonte on Friday evening. According to a report from the Centre County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 74-year-old Mary Edwards of Saxton, Pennsylvania. The tragic crash occurred just after 5 p.m. near the intersection of Jacksonville Road and the I-80 interchange, an area known for heavy traffic during peak hours.
Investigators say the crash happened when the vehicle Edwards was traveling in reportedly turned in front of a pickup truck towing a camper. The pickup truck was unable to avoid a collision, resulting in a strong impact between the two vehicles.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including Bellefonte Police, local fire departments, and paramedics, quickly responded to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. Upon arrival, they found both vehicles with significant damage, blocking a section of the roadway.
Mary Edwards, who was a passenger in the turning vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Centre County Coroner’s Office. Authorities confirmed that she suffered fatal injuries as a result of the impact.
The driver of the vehicle Edwards was in sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not released the name of that driver, citing ongoing notification procedures and the early stages of the investigation.
The driver of the pickup truck hauling the camper reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. There were no additional injuries reported from the second vehicle.
Due to the severity of the crash, Jacksonville Road near the interchange was closed to traffic for several hours Friday evening while law enforcement officers conducted an on-scene reconstruction. The closure allowed investigators to document evidence, take measurements, and clear the damaged vehicles from the roadway before reopening it later that night.
The Bellefonte Police Department, along with the Centre County Coroner’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police, is leading the investigation. Early reports suggest that the turning maneuver may have been a contributing factor, though authorities have not ruled out other potential causes such as visibility, speed, or driver error.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that a complete report, including any findings from vehicle inspections or witness statements, will be issued once all evidence has been reviewed. At this time, no citations or charges have been filed, and authorities are awaiting the final reconstruction results before determining whether any further action will be taken.
Residents and motorists who frequent the area described the crash site as a challenging section of roadway, particularly during rush hour when traffic is heavy near the I-80 access points. Local officials have previously discussed safety improvements in the region, such as enhanced signage and turning lane adjustments, to help reduce collision risks.
Community members expressed condolences following news of Mary Edwards’ passing, describing her as a kind and well-loved resident of Saxton. Friends and neighbors shared messages of sympathy for her family, remembering her as a caring woman who will be deeply missed.
Authorities have used this tragic event to remind drivers of the importance of exercising caution when turning onto or across busy intersections, especially when visibility is limited or when large vehicles such as trucks or trailers are approaching.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to review physical evidence and gather more details about the moments leading up to the crash. Officials say they hope their findings will help prevent similar incidents in the future and bring closure to those affected by the tragedy.
