Tragedy in Summerhill Township: Two Young Lives Lost in High-Speed Crash on Portage Street
SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP, PA — A quiet Sunday morning turned tragic in Cambria County as two young lives were claimed in a devastating single-vehicle crash. The Cambria County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the victims as 21-year-old Ian Viscusi, of Portage, and 16-year-old Breyona Neff, of Bon Air. The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. on July 20, 2025, along the 2800 block of Portage Street in Summerhill Township.
According to investigators, Viscusi was driving a pickup truck southbound on Route 53 at what authorities describe as a high rate of speed. At some point, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed violently into a telephone pole. The impact was catastrophic, and both occupants were heavily entrapped inside the wreckage. First responders, including the Beaverdale Fire Department and Portage Fire Department, rushed to the scene and assisted the Cambria County Coroner’s Office in the recovery operation.
Victims Pronounced Dead at the Scene
Despite the rapid emergency response, both Ian Viscusi and Breyona Neff were pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Authorities say the violent nature of the crash left the pickup severely mangled, making rescue efforts especially difficult.
Coroner Jeff Lees confirmed the identities of the victims later that afternoon. He noted that toxicology testing is pending for Mr. Viscusi as part of the forensic investigation to determine if any substances contributed to the crash.
Remembering Breyona Neff
Breyona Neff was a soon-to-be junior at Conemaugh Valley School District, where her sudden death has shaken students, faculty, and the broader community. In a heartfelt letter sent to families, district officials offered condolences and confirmed that grief counselors and support services would be available to all students impacted by the loss.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. Breyona was bright, kind-hearted, and full of potential,” said one teacher. “She had a warm smile and a personality that made people feel welcome.”
Community members have since created a growing memorial at the crash site, with flowers, candles, and handwritten messages lining the roadside in her memory.
Ian Viscusi: A Life Cut Short
Friends of Ian Viscusi describe him as a “hardworking young man” from Portage with dreams for the future. While his role as the driver of the vehicle is under investigation, those close to him say they are heartbroken over his sudden and tragic passing.
“He was just starting his adult life. It’s incredibly sad to lose him this way,” a family friend shared.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Safety Concerns
Authorities have confirmed speed as a contributing factor, but the full circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Route 53 (Portage Street) was shut down for several hours as police and crash reconstruction specialists worked to process the scene.
The crash has reignited concerns about speeding and driver safety, particularly among young drivers navigating the winding roads of rural Pennsylvania.
Officials are urging any witnesses or residents with surveillance footage from the area to come forward as they piece together what led to the fatal accident.