WEST BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities in Washington County have identified 33-year-old Jenna Slagle of Marianna as the victim of a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning.
The Washington County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the accident happened shortly before 2 a.m. on private property near the intersection of Field and Stream Club Road and Lawry Lane in West Bethlehem Township.
The Crash
According to investigators, Slagle was riding as a passenger in a side-by-side ATV when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The ATV rolled over and ultimately came to rest in a ditch.
The coroner reported that Slagle was not wearing a seatbelt or safety restraint at the time of the accident and was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency responders pronounced her deceased at the scene at approximately 3:15 a.m.
The official cause and manner of death remain pending an autopsy, though authorities have confirmed that the Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into the crash.
A Community in Shock
News of Slagle’s sudden death has devastated family, friends, and the Marianna community. Known for her vibrant personality and close-knit ties, she was remembered by loved ones as someone full of life who always brought joy to those around her.
Social media quickly filled with condolences and tributes as word of the tragedy spread. Friends described Slagle as “a light in every room” and “a person with a heart of gold who will be deeply missed.”
Safety Concerns
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the crash, but the incident has raised renewed concerns about ATV safety. Side-by-side vehicles are popular in rural Pennsylvania for both recreation and work, but experts continue to stress the importance of seatbelt use, helmets, and safe driving practices to prevent fatalities.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATV rollovers are among the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in such accidents. In many cases, passengers are at increased risk when they are not restrained.
Ongoing Investigation
The Pennsylvania State Police said they are continuing to investigate the events that led to the crash. It is unclear whether speed, terrain, or other factors contributed to the accident. Officials have not confirmed whether the driver sustained injuries or if alcohol or impairment may have been involved.
The coroner’s office stated that additional information will be released following the autopsy results and the conclusion of the investigation.
Remembering Jenna Slagle
As the community awaits answers, loved ones are focusing on honoring Jenna’s memory. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and mourn the loss of a woman taken far too soon.
“She was only 33 years old with so much more life ahead of her,” one close friend shared. “This accident is heartbreaking for all of us who knew and loved her.”
For now, Washington County mourns the loss of Jenna Slagle, a daughter, a friend, and a cherished member of her community, as investigators work to determine how a late-night ride ended in tragedy.