A 15-year-old driver was killed in a crash while on a FaceTime video call in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, according to state police.
Charles Raffensberger III was traveling south on Route 35 in Tuscarora Township when the fatal accident occurred around 12:05 a.m. on Sunday (February 2). State troopers report that the teenager was on a video call with a friend while driving at high speed in a gold 2009 Toyota Rav-4 when the vehicle suddenly veered off the roadway, according to ABC27 News.
The vehicle traveled up a snow-covered embankment before crashing head-on into a tree. Following the impact, the SUV caught fire with Raffensberger trapped inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say it remains unclear whether the teen was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The road was closed for several hours while emergency responders and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews worked to clear the scene.
The Raffensberger family has established an online fundraiser to cover funeral and memorial expenses. State police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.