ETTERS, Pa. — The town of Etters is grieving after the devastating loss of 27-year-old William Cowell, who was killed Wednesday evening in a head-on crash on Lewisberry Road in Newberry Township. According to authorities, the collision happened around 10:30 p.m. and involved Cowell’s 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2018 Nissan Altima driven by a 25-year-old woman. Cowell was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical but stable condition.
Cowell, a lifelong resident of Etters, is remembered as a compassionate and kind young man whose presence brought comfort to everyone who knew him. Friends say he was the type of person who always checked in on others, offered help without being asked, and carried a smile that could brighten even the hardest days. “William always had a smile and a kind word for anyone he met,” one close friend shared. “His loss leaves a hole in our hearts that will never fully heal.”
The news of his sudden passing has shaken the tight-knit community, leaving residents heartbroken and searching for answers. Messages of support, photos, and tributes have filled social media as neighbors, classmates, and loved ones share their memories of Cowell. Many described him as someone who made Etters feel like home — a steady, caring presence who touched lives simply by being himself.
Police say the crash occurred when Cowell attempted to pass another vehicle, causing a direct collision with the oncoming Altima. Investigators are working to determine the full sequence of events and whether any other factors played a role. While the investigation continues, officials are urging drivers to remain cautious on roadways where passing can be dangerous, especially at night.
For now, the community is focused on supporting Cowell’s grieving family as they face an unimaginable loss. Friends have organized small gatherings, vigils, and memorials to honor his memory. Neighbors have stepped in to offer meals, prayers, and comfort — reflecting the same generosity that Cowell himself was known for.
While Etters mourns the loss of a beloved young man, residents are holding tight to the kindness, warmth, and joy William brought into their lives. His sudden passing is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change, but his legacy of compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
