Orefield Teen Dies in Lower Macungie Crash
William Bickford, 19, of Orefield was killed in a rollover crash in Lower Macungie on Friday night
An Orefield teen was killed late Friday when he was partially ejected from his car, the car rolled over and he was pinned beneath, according to police.
William David Bickford, 19, was driving southbound on Route 309 at 10:59 p.m. when he lost control of his car on a left-hand curve, according to state police at Fogelsville. His 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt went onto the shoulder and struck a concrete barrier of the Interstate 78 overpass. The car continued for about 100 feet before rolling and partially ejecting Bickford. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt.
The Lehigh County coroner's office was called, police said.
Area roadways were wet because of daylong rain, but police did not say whether that contributed to the accident.
Emergency crews were dispatched from Cetronia Ambulance Corps, and Western Salisbury and Lower Macungie fire departments for a report of a motor vehicle accident with rollover and entrapment. The accident was first reported on Interstate 78 at Hamilton Boulevard, according to emergency transmissions. However, before crews arrived, the accident location was pinpointed as being about a quarter mile north.
Southbound Route 309 was closed, and traffic was diverted at Tilghman Street.
In This article
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Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Fogelsville Barracks
8320 Schantz Rd, Breinigsville, PA -
Cetronia Ambulance Corps
3939 Broadway, Allentown, PA -
Western Salisbury Fire
Green Acres Drive, Allentown, PA (2694 Green Acres Dr.) -
Lower Macungie Fire Dept. - Brandywine Station
6229 Sauerkraut Ln, Macungie, PA
Deana Held
11:12 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012
God Bless the family of this boy. Parents worry so much about their kids when they are out, especially at night. It is our worst fear in life, to lose a child.
Signed, Mom of a 19 year old local boy
Tim Killimaji
12:09 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
seat belts save lives, period,
Kate McGowan
4:16 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
William was my boyfriend and me and his family are taking this really hard, I just found a few weeks ago that I am pregnant with his child so it is very difficult for me to deal with this right now William was a kind and charming person he would give the shirt off his back if he had to....Last time I seen him was last night at 10:00 I kissed him goodbye and he told me he would see me soon but that will not be happening and yes Tim seat belts do save lives but consideing that I am his long time girlfriend I do not aprreciate seeing comments like that signed Katie Ann McGowan
Susan Koomar
4:24 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
Katie, so sorry for your loss.
Tim Killimaji
10:55 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
Seat belts do save lives, and if 1 persons life is saved in the future as a result of all this tragedy then Williams death will not have been in vain. Sorry for your loss, but i will not apologize for spreading a message of safety
Lily A.
9:22 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Tim, I think there are better ways to spread a message of safety. I believe most people will learn from reading this that a seat belt will do more good than bad. I'm sorry for your loss Kate. God bless you, your family, and William's family.
Tyler Bailer
10:19 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2012
I used to hamg out with will back Between 7th and 8th grade RIP Will he was a good kid im sorry for ur loss
Taylor Andres
10:19 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
He was the best cousin ever i will always love and miss him i had no idea that he was pinned under the car thou witch made me more upset cuz i just relized today he will always be loved and missed </3 rest in peace cousin rest in peace </3
beverly
3:17 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Has anyone ever heard when it is your time to go it's your time to go people think seatbelts always will save your life I have seen them claim lives and save lives. You know we put our children on a school bus that the state does not require to be equiped with seat belt motorcyclist have the option to wear a helmet or not where one. SO I think before you poeple start judgeing look at the facts of things, and use this page to help this boys loved ones get through this rough time instead of judgeing him. Remember a seatbelt, Harness, neck brace and helmet didn't save Dale Earnhardt did it. So with that said I offer my thoughts and prayers to those who are suffering with the lose of this young life...