Ronald Drylie Obituary, Death – Authorities have released additional details about a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday on Route 711 near the Cambria County line, confirming the identities of both individuals who tragically lost their lives in the incident. According to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the second driver who died in the crash has been identified as 73-year-old Ronald Drylie, a resident of Bolivar. Troopers reported that Drylie was one of two people who died after two SUVs collided head-on in Saint Clair Township over the weekend.
The PSP investigation indicates that Drylie had been traveling northbound on Route 711 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle reportedly crossed the center dividing line. This caused a direct collision with a southbound SUV driven by 68-year-old Joel Hunt, who was also from Bolivar. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles and resulted in severe injuries to those involved.
Emergency responders were called to the scene immediately after the collision was reported. Medics and firefighters worked quickly to assist the victims and secure the area, which was temporarily closed to traffic as investigators began examining the scene. Unfortunately, authorities confirmed that Drylie was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Officials noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, a detail they included as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Joel Hunt, the driver of the second SUV, was initially treated at the scene by first responders before being transported to Conemaugh Hospital for further medical care. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, Hunt later succumbed to his injuries. The coroner’s office was notified, and both families were informed soon after.
A third person—a 16-year-old passenger riding in Drylie’s vehicle—also sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency personnel provided immediate aid before transporting the teenager for medical evaluation. The extent of the young passenger’s injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities have indicated that the teen survived the crash.
Investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit and the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office are working together to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the crash. This includes analyzing physical evidence from the scene, reviewing vehicle damage, and interviewing potential witnesses who may have seen the vehicles before impact.
Preliminary findings suggest that weather and road conditions at the time of the collision were relatively clear, though police have not yet determined whether fatigue, distraction, or another factor contributed to the crash. Toxicology testing and vehicle inspections are being conducted as part of the standard investigative process in serious collisions.
Local residents in Saint Clair Township expressed sadness over the incident, describing Route 711 as a rural but often busy roadway where drivers must be particularly cautious when navigating turns and passing lanes. The tragedy has reignited community conversations about road safety, including the importance of seatbelt use and adherence to speed limits on two-lane roads.
Authorities emphasized that investigations of this nature often take several weeks to complete, as they involve reviewing multiple forms of evidence and forensic reports. Officials have not indicated whether any mechanical issues or environmental conditions played a role but stated that findings will be released once the investigation is finalized.
In the meantime, state police are reminding all motorists to remain alert while driving, especially on rural highways where traffic lanes are narrow and visibility can change quickly.
The crash remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police at Greensburg, with assistance from local emergency responders and crash reconstruction specialists.
