PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 19-year-old Long Island man was killed Friday night when his vehicle veered off a rural roadway in Lycoming County and struck a tree, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The victim has been identified as Quinn Dowdell of Floral Park, New York. The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday along a stretch of Route 287 in Pine Township, approximately six miles south of the borough.
State police reported that Dowdell was driving a Nissan Xterra southbound on the two-lane roadway when he lost control. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, reentered the lanes, crossed both, and went down a small embankment before striking a tree and overturning.
The vehicle sustained heavy damage, trapping Dowdell inside. Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr. confirmed Dowdell was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered severe traumatic injuries. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
“Authorities said Dowdell had been traveling from Ski Sawmill to Williamsport at the time of the crash,” a police spokesperson stated. Route 287 is known for its winding sections and limited lighting in this area, though investigators have not yet determined if road conditions were a factor. Speed and other potential causes remain under review.
The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office transported Dowdell’s body to the county forensic center in Williamsport and will continue to assist with the investigation. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed no other vehicles were involved.
The crash remains under active investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F, Montoursville.