Crash leaves 1 dead
EVANS CITY — A Geneva College freshman and soccer player was killed and two other teammates injured late Saturday night in a one-car wreck in the borough, authorities said.
Nathaniel M. Ferraco, 18, of Verona died of severe head and chest injuries after he lost control of his four-door car on East Main Street and crashed into a utility pole about 11:40 p.m.
Emergency crews worked on Ferraco to try and save him but he died at the scene. Butler County Deputy Coroner Larry Barr pronounced him dead later.
Two passengers in the car were taken to Butler Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. They were treated and released. A third passenger was apparently not injured.
The names of the passengers, all from the Verona and Penn Hills areas, were not known. They all attend Geneva College in Beaver County and are members of the school's soccer team.
Evans City-Seven Fields police are investigating but an accident report was not immediately available.
Ferraco and his passengers attended a soccer banquet Saturday night and then played an indoor soccer league game at the Family Sports Center in Evans City, authorities said.
“Nate Ferraco was a special person with many wonderful talents,” Geneva soccer coach Gary Dunda said in a statement. “He was a standout soccer player, gifted student and he truly cared deeply for his teammates and friends.”
Brian Jensen, dean of student development at Geneva College, by e-mail notified students and faculty of the deadly crash.
“The loss of one of our own community members brings great sorrow,” Jensen said. “Please join me in prayer for Nate's parents and family during this difficult time. We are currently working with the family and offering them any assistance the college can provide.”
Ferraco and his passengers were headed home, traveling west, when his car crossed over the eastbound lane while descending a hill, emergency officials said. The vehicle spun around and hit the pole.
“The driver's side took the brunt of the impact,” Barr said.
The car ended up in the parking lot of St. Matthias Catholic Church hall.
Evans City volunteer firefighters assisted at the scene.
