JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. — A tragic crash early Sunday morning claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy in Juniata County. Pennsylvania State Police reported that the teenage driver was using FaceTime at the time of the collision, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving among young motorists.

Authorities said the crash occurred when the teen was traveling at a high rate of speed while engaged in a video call. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, causing fatal injuries. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately and pronounced the driver dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as Charles Raffensberger Jr., 15, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Police said the impact was severe, and the combination of high speed and distraction contributed to the fatal outcome. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Preliminary findings from state police indicate that distraction and speed were the primary factors in the collision. Investigators continue to examine the scene and gather evidence to fully understand the circumstances leading up to the crash. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and officials said no further information would be released until it is complete.

Authorities are using the incident as a warning to young drivers and their families. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the risks of distracted driving, and police emphasized that even a brief moment of inattention can have deadly consequences. State police urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of using phones or electronic devices while behind the wheel.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of distracted driving. The community of Juniata County is mourning the loss of Charles Raffensberger Jr., whose life was tragically cut short. Officials are asking all drivers to stay focused on the road and set a safe example for younger motorists, reinforcing the importance of safe driving habits to prevent similar tragedies.