Penns Valley teen flown to hospital after pedestrian crash in Centre Hall Wednesday morning

A Penns Valley Area student was flown by medical helicopter to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle early Wednesday morning.

Superintendent Brian Griffith wrote in a Wednesday morning post on the district’s Facebook page that the student’s parents, district administrators, school police officers and emergency responders were at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 7 a.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The 16-year-old student walked into the roadway where he was struck by a Toyota Corolla traveling north, according to a report by state police at Rockview. The teen had “unknown injuries” and was transported by medical helicopter to UPMC Williamsport for further evaluation and treatment, police wrote.

The investigation is still ongoing.

In an update posted on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, the district shared that the student was released from the hospital, is headed home to recover and plans to return school next week.

“While we know the community is concerned and supportive, the parents kindly ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this time,” the district wrote. “Although well wishes are appreciated, please give them the space they need as they focus on their child’s recovery.”

Students who ride school bus HS2 witnessed the crash from the bus stop, the district wrote on Facebook, and school counselors, social workers and school psychologists contacted students on that bus and were available throughout the school day.

The district also asked community members to respect the family’s privacy and to limit the spread of misinformation. The school bus was not involved in the accident nor was it a hit and run situation, the district wrote.

This story was originally published October 23, 2024 at 10:11 AM.