RIDGWAY, Pa. — State police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Monday morning, October 20, 2025, on Grant Road in Ridgway.
According to police, the crash happened around 10:30 a.m. near 3497 Grant Road when a vehicle driven by Damian Patterson, 25, of Ridgway, was traveling north and went off the east side of the road before striking a tree. Patterson, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained minor injuries.
A passenger in the vehicle, Mason Neureiter, 20, of Ridgway, was wearing a seat belt but suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
State police were assisted at the scene by Ridgway Ambulance, the Ridgway Fire Department, and D & T Towing.
Following the accident, the Ridgway Fire Department confirmed that Mason Neureiter was one of their members and also served as a dispatcher for Elk County 911. In a statement, the department expressed deep sorrow over his passing, noting that Mason was following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in public service.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.