RIDGWAY – The driver of a sport-utility vehicle involved in an
accident early Sunday morning on Route 255, just south of Hickory
Street in Jay Township, died as a result of injuries sustained in
the crash.

According to Ridgway-based state police, the identity of the
deceased driver was not released Sunday evening pending
notification of the his or her next of kin.

Police said at 6 a.m., the SUV driven by the deceased was
southbound on Route 255 when it left the road “for unknown
reasons,” veered back onto the road, crossed both lanes and left
the road again. The vehicle then traveled across a yard and into a
tree.

A passenger in the SUV, Adam Michael Berasi, 27, of Force,
sustained moderate injuries, police said, and taken from the scene
by Bennett’s Valley ambulance to Elk Regional Health Center in St.
Marys. There was no information available on his medical condition
Sunday night.

Police said the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the
scene by Elk County Coroner Robert Sorg at 7:03 a.m.

The Jay Township Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the
scene.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or
come upon it prior to emergency personnel arriving to contact the
Ridgway barracks.

There was no further information available Sunday night.