Teen killed in Bucks Co. crash, friend critical

NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pa. - December 9, 2012

The accident happened around 2:00 p.m. Saturday near Old Jacksonville Road and Sackettsford Road in Northampton Township.

Cameron Smithwick, 19, was killed and LJ Tanner, 18, was left in critical condition. Three other teens in the car also had to go to the hospital.

Cameron's family says the silver Monte Carlo hit a bump and flipped several times before crashing into a utility pole. Cameron wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

The five young men were on their way back from getting pizza when they crashed.

The three teens in the backseat managed to get out of the car and stagger down the road, bloody and in shock.

Tanner, who was driving, was stuck inside the wreck.

Emergency crews arrived on the scene and worked for about 20 minutes to free Tanner. The 18-year-old was rushed to St. Mary Medical Center where he remains in critical condition with head and spine injuries.

Action News has learned Tanner's family owns the well known Bucks County business Tanner Brothers Dairy.

On Monday, grief counselors were at Council Rock North High School to help students deal with news of the horrific crash.

"People were talking about it on Facebook. I heard about it at church last night, they made a prayer for them," said Council Rock North junior Sarah Ehrgott.

"I put shivers down my spine," said Council Rock North senior Andrew Kraft.

Cameron's sister, 16-year-old Addison Smithwick, said on Sunday she wanted the world to know about the young man who was loved by so many.

"That's how I want everyone to remember him, just happy and full of life," Addison said.

The scene of the crash is around the corner from the Warminster home of Cameron's stepfather and mother.

"Cameron's mother was his best friend, his teacher and his beloved mommy. Cameron is gone to be with the Lord but he lives in all of our memories forever," Addison read in a statement.

Cameron, an aspiring chef and soon to be Penn State freshman, graduated from high school in Texas. However, he attended Council Rock North a few years ago, where Tanner is currently a senior.

"He's always there for everyone and everyone needs to pray for him and look over him and Cameron's looking over him right now," Addison said.

The three other teens, seniors and juniors at Council Rock South High School, were also taken to St. Mary where they were treated and released Sunday night.

Council Rock School District Superintendent Mark Klein issued the following statement Sunday, "Council Rock North and Council Rock South will have counselors available tomorrow to work with our students in the aftermath of this horrible accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all the students involved in this tragedy."

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