A car crash in Bucks County claimed the life of a passenger who had just returned home to live, after spending the past few years with his father in Texas. The driver was last reported in critical condition, and three other teens survived and have been released from the hospital.
19-year-old Cameron Smithwick was just around the corner from home Saturday afternoon, but he never made it. His buddy lost control of their car on a narrow country road lined with trees. Addison Smithwick, the victim's Sister, told Fox 29, "It went like down a hill, hit the ditch, like kind of on the side then popped the car up, made the car slide." The car spun off the rain-slick road and flipped, severed a utility pole, then slammed into a tree, killing Smithwick instantly. He had been in the front passenger seat, and wasn't wearing a seatbelt. "The telephone pole went right into him... so it wouldn't have helped," Addison Smithwick explained through tears. "But he didn't suffer, I know that."
Smithwick, his sister, and their friends had just finished lunch at a pizza parlor in Richboro. Three boys in the back seat behind Smithwick, who all survived, told his sister he saved their lives. "He cushioned the blow from the pole and also the tree, and if he wasn't there I don't know what would have happened to the rest of them," Addison Smithwick said.
The friends all know each other from Council Rock High School. The driver, 18-year-old LJ Tanner, suffered severe injuries. Police are investigating whether Tanner may have been speeding. They did not find any containers of alcohol in the vehicle. Even as Smithwick's family struggles with their loss, they pray Tanner's family will not know such pain. "Everyone needs to put their prayers for LJ and his family," Addison Smithwick pleaded. "And if everyone could pray for my mom in this time of grief, it would be amazing."
Cameron Smithwick had hoped to become a chef and open his own restaurant. "He was a wonderful person, so generous and happy and full of life," his sister added. "That's how I want everyone to remember him."
Monday, June 17 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:25:14 GMT
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse.
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse, because they know the vandal easily could have hurt someone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:55:49 GMT
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:11 GMT
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on an adult organ donor waiting list despite her young age. And while the transplant is cause for celebration, Sarah still has quite a fight ahead.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 6:33 PM EDT2013-06-11 22:33:58 GMT
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:26 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:26:08 GMT
Torrential rain and storms are moving across the region tonight. The heavy rain is causing flooding for some people out on the roads, particularly in South Jersey and Delaware.
Torrential rain and storms are moving across the region tonight. The heavy rain is causing flooding for some people out on the roads, particularly in South Jersey and Delaware.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:20:41 GMT
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:17:37 GMT
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:47 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:47:28 GMT
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:41:03 GMT
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light. The incident happened on May 1 around 8:30 p.m.
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:58:15 GMT
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation? FOX29's Mike Jerrick was out on the patio with some tips from the folks at Balance Chestnut Hill on "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning.
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:44 GMT
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:52:25 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
One person died and four others were injured in the weekend crash.
