Kevin Bowser

BRADYS BEND TWP, Armstrong County — The Bruin Volunteer Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its members, who was killed in a one-vehicle crash Wednesday night.

Kevin J. Bowser, 27, of East Brady died shortly before midnight when the sport utility vehicle he was driving slammed into a tree near the Butler County line in Bradys Bend Township, authorities said.

Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers pronounced him dead at the scene of blunt force trauma. The death has been ruled accidental.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his family during this difficult time,” said Robert Hackbarth, president of the Bruin VFD. “Kevin was a vital member of our department and he will be missed.”

Bowser, a 2011 graduate of Karns City High School, started with the department as a junior firefighter and had recently served as a line officer.

He moved with his family from Bruin in 2018 and was employed at Steris Applied Sterilization Technology in Saxonburg.

State police said Bowser was traveling north on Seybertown Road when he lost control of his 2008 Jeep Compass. The vehicle went off the road and continued for about 110 feet before hitting the guardrail.

The SUV became airborne and hit the tree. He was not wearing a seat belt. The crash remains under investigation.

The Hile Funeral Home in Karns City is handling the funeral arrangements, which are available in his obituary on Page 6.