Fatal motorcycle crash in Mercer County hits home for Westminster community

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Police in Mercer County say two people died in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning south of the intersection of State Route 18 and Ko Road in Sugar Creek Township.  Hempfield police say the driver and his passenger on his motorcycle died when the bike struck a guardrail and went out of control.

Police say 34-year old Greg Nageotte of Meadville died on the scene. They say 45-year old Candi Braswell of Adamsville died shortly after the accident. A second motorcycle traveling with them tried to avoid the first accident, but crashed into a ditch. The driver and passenger of that vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

The tragedy has a Westminster connection. Campus officials confirmed Candi Braswell was the mother of a senior. Jennifer Krueger is scheduled to receive her degree in biology at Saturday’s commencement. Campus counselors, staff, faculty and students are reaching out to her with support and prayers. This is the second student at Westminster facing tragedy after a fatal traffic accident in three days.

On Friday, the parents of Marah Alouise died in a head-on crash near their home in Washington County. John and Debra Alouise were traveling to New Wilmington to pick up their daughter for the summer break. Marah and her younger sister, Alyssa are now coping with the loss along with their brother, Scott. He is recovering in the hospital after suffering injuries in the crash that killed his parents.

Students, staff and faculty are reaching out to support the Alouise family with donations and emotional support.