Emmaus, PA – A devastating two-car accident near Emmaus High School on Tuesday has left the community in shock and mourning. The accident claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy, identified as Edwin Cortez, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved. The incident occurred at the intersection of North Boulevard and Cedar Crest Boulevard in the borough.
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:23 p.m. Witnesses at the scene revealed that several other passengers in the same vehicle were also students. Emergency responders rushed at least three of them to hospitals via ambulances. While witnesses claimed the deceased was a student, official confirmation from the authorities or Emmaus police was not provided as of Tuesday evening.
The driver of the other vehicle, the sole occupant, remained at the crash scene. Authorities, including police and V. Paul Bernardino III from the Lehigh County district attorney’s office, refrained from commenting on the incident. During the accident, school buses were leaving the area, and a bus driver was seen performing CPR on the victim, Edwin Cortez.
The East Penn School District promptly informed families via email that counselors were available for support. Cedar Crest Boulevard, known as Route 29, was temporarily closed between Pine Street and the entrance to Wawa. Efforts were underway to reopen the road, although traffic congestion was expected due to the evening rush hour.
In a compassionate gesture, a GoFundMe page titled “Edwin Cortes” was established by a resident of Allentown, PA, to assist Edwin Cortez’s family with funeral expenses. The page has already garnered significant support, with $4,190 USD raised out of the $10,000 goal. The community stands together in support, offering condolences and assistance to the grieving family during this heartbreaking time.
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