Patricia Wenzel Obituary, Death News – The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died following a serious car crash on Monday morning. The incident took place around 8:40 a.m. at the intersection of Long Lane and Marticville Road, a location not far from Cherry Hill Orchards.
According to authorities, the crash involved a Subaru Outback and a Ford Explorer. Police reported that after the two vehicles collided, the Subaru continued through the intersection, left the roadway, and slammed head-on into a tree.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene and found both the driver and front-seat passenger of the Subaru trapped inside the vehicle. Rescue crews worked to extricate them before transporting both individuals to Lancaster General Hospital for treatment.
The front-seat passenger was later identified as 79-year-old Patricia Wenzel of Manor Township. Despite medical efforts, she died at the hospital from her injuries. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office ruled her death accidental and attributed it to injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Subaru was a 78-year-old man. His condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time. Authorities have not released his name or any details regarding the extent of his injuries.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Ford Explorer involved in the initial collision was not hurt in the crash, police confirmed.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not said what led to the collision at the intersection or whether weather, road conditions, or driver error may have been contributing factors. No charges have been filed as of yet, and investigators are continuing to gather information.
The crash has raised concerns in the local community, especially given the age of those involved and the seriousness of the outcome. Long Lane and Marticville Road is a frequently traveled area, and the proximity to Cherry Hill Orchards adds to traffic volume during busy times.
Authorities have not indicated whether speed or any type of vehicle malfunction played a role in the incident. They are expected to conduct further inspections of both vehicles and analyze crash scene data to better understand the sequence of events.
In the meantime, the community is mourning the loss of Patricia Wenzel, a longtime Manor Township resident. Friends, neighbors, and family are remembering her for her warmth and kindness.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional updates may be released as officials gather more details. Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information related to it to contact them to assist in the investigation.