Josh Willy Death – Tragedy struck on I-376 near the Squirrel Hill Tunnel when a respected Penn Hills High School teacher, Josh Willy, lost his life in a horrific car crash.
Willy, a dedicated educator who served the district for 23 years, was on his way to work when the accident occurred.
Authorities report that Willy’s vehicle exited the Squirrel Hill Tunnel at 8:27 a.m., veered off the roadway near mile marker 76, and plunged over a guard rail.
The car tumbled down a five-story hillside before coming to rest in Nine Mile Run, a creek nestled between the Squirrel Hill and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods.
Emergency responders faced a challenging recovery effort on the rugged terrain. By 1 p.m., crews used a large tow truck and construction equipment to pull Willy’s dark-colored 2024 Mazda 3 from the creek. The bridge above the crash site, towering 85 feet over Commercial Street, underscores the severity of the fall.
Josh Willy’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Penn Hills community, where he was admired for his dedication to students and his passion for teaching. His colleagues and students described him as a mentor, a leader, and a friend whose impact will not be forgotten.
The crash is under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details about what led to the accident. Friends, family, and the Penn Hills school community are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher taken too soon.