We, at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., would like extend our deepest sympathies and kindest thoughts to the families and friends of the members of our beloved community who perished in the two-vehicle accident on Friday evening in Sharon, PA.

Involved in the accident were four Sharon High School football players in a Mazda SUV, and a pick-up truck with a 50-year-old man and two younger boys, ages 10 and 12. The driver and front-passenger of the Mazda, as well as the man driving the truck, died in the accident. Both teens, twin brothers, in the back of the SUV were injured and taken to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio where they underwent surgery. They were last listed in critical but stable condition. Both boys in the truck were taken to area hospitals. One was taken to Sharon Regional Health System and eventually released. The other, the deceased driver's son, was Life-Flighted to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh with serious injuries and remains there. 

The accident took place on East Connelly Blvd., where police say the Mazda crossed the center, double-yellow line and hit the pick-up truck head on. Upon an initial investigation, police are indicating that drugs, alcohol, and distracted driving (texting, talking on mobile phone) have nothing to do with the cause of the accident. It is thought that speeding is the more likely culprit.

The accident has left three dead, a boy without a father, parents without their promising teenagers, and an entire region at a loss for words. Sharon High was scheduled to play their first play-off game in three years the following day on Saturday afternoon. The game was cancelled and will be played tonight at 7 p.m. in Erie at Veterans Stadium.

This heart-breaking tragedy is another grave reminder that life is so precious. As wet leaves line our streets and winter approaches, please take the time to think about the ways in which you navigate our roadways. More importantly, talk to the young men and women in your lives, and remind them that speeding, texting, talking, or being distracted in any other way while driving can end in catastrophe.

Grief counselors will be made available at Sharon High School for an undisclosed period of time and a vigil was held Sunday evening. Sharon football players will wear tiger paw decals on their helmets in remembrance of their teammates during tonight's playoff game.