Danville, PA (June 18, 2026) – A collision involving three vehicles left two people dead on Tuesday afternoon on Route 45 outside Danville.
The Montour County coroner’s office identified the deceased as Thomas Berkheimer, 75, and Joyce Berkheimer, 74, of the Lewisburg area. Police said the couple was traveling in a vehicle driven by Thomas Berkheimer when it crossed into the path of another vehicle while he attempted to pass in a no-passing zone.
The other vehicle was driven by Deborah A. Magruder, 52, of Mifflinburg. Her vehicle then struck a third vehicle, driven by Richard F. Baker Jr., 57, of Danville, which Berkheimer was attempting to pass.
Thomas Berkheimer was pronounced dead at the scene, while Joyce Berkheimer later died at Geisinger Medical Center. Police said neither was wearing a seatbelt. Magruder was taken to the hospital with a suspected minor injury, while Baker was not injured.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal crash continue to be reviewed as investigators work to determine all contributing factors. Our condolences go out to the Berkheimer family and everyone mourning their loss.
How Three-Vehicle Traffic Crashes Are Typically Reviewed
Three-vehicle traffic crashes can involve several movements happening within seconds, making it necessary to examine multiple pieces of information. Reviews often focus on vehicle positions, travel paths, roadway markings, and the actions of each driver before the vehicles came together.
Factors such as passing maneuvers, traffic signs, visibility, and road conditions may help explain how a sequence of contacts developed. Vehicle damage patterns and statements from drivers or witnesses can provide additional details.
Safety equipment, including seat belts, may also be considered when examining the outcome of a serious roadway collision. Information gathered from available records and physical evidence can help create a clearer picture of how these types of traffic accidents occur.
