2 killed in head-on collision in Derry Township

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·1 min read

Mar. 5—A woman from Westmoreland County and a man from Allegheny County were killed when the cars they were driving collided head-on Saturday night in Derry Township.

Sherry L. Shaffer, 61, of Derry Township, and Joseph M. Gshinsky, 35, of North Fayette Township, both were pronounced dead of blunt force injuries at the scene along Route 981 between Flowers and Slag roads, according to a report from Westmoreland County Coroner Timothy Carson.

The crash happened at about 9 p.m. as Gshinsky was driving north in a Jeep Cherokee and Shaffer was driving south in a Honda CR-V, Carson said. The Jeep crossed into the opposing lane and struck the Honda head-on, he said.

It's believed that speed was a factor in the crash, Carson said. Shaffer was using a seat belt while Gshinsky was not, he said.

Results from toxicology tests aren't expected for several weeks, he said.

Funeral arrangements for the two motorists weren't immediately available.

State police from the Kiski Valley station also are investigating the crash.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .