A 24-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash Friday on Baughman Hollow Road in Hempfield Township, where officials say a bend in the road preceded the wreck. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive.
Rylie Hillegas lost control while riding along Baughman Hollow Road, went off the road and struck a guardrail, according to WTAE. The station reported that Hillegas was wearing a helmet, was transported to Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital and later died there. The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office is determining the cause and manner of death, with autopsy and toxicology results pending.
Another Fatal Motorcycle Crash Hit Hempfield Township Days Earlier
The latest death came less than a week after another fatal motorcycle crash in Hempfield Township. A July 26 public report from the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office said 19-year-old Lam V. Duong died after his motorcycle left State Route 819 while navigating a right-hand curve, struck a ditch and boulder, and carried him to the hospital with fatal injuries.
The two crashes occurred separately, and officials have not indicated any connection between them. Details surrounding Hillegas’ crash remain limited while the coroner’s review continues.
