ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania — A community is mourning the tragic death of Kandi Jo Heller, 44, of Slatington, who died following a serious two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Allentown.
According to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center, Heller was identified as the victim of the fatal collision that occurred at approximately 1:06 p.m. at the intersection of North 6th Street and Cedar Street.
Pennsylvania State Police said a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban driven by a 24-year-old Allentown man was traveling at a high rate of speed when it allegedly ran a posted stop sign and struck a Mercedes-Benz in the intersection. The impact forced the Mercedes into a nearby home.
Authorities said the driver of the Suburban fled the scene on foot following the crash but was later located, apprehended, and taken into custody by troopers. He is expected to face criminal charges as the investigation continues.
Both occupants of the Mercedes-Benz were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Heller later died from her injuries at 9:58 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
An autopsy determined that Heller died from blunt force injuries, and her death was ruled accidental.
The investigation remains active and is being handled by the Pennsylvania State Police Bethlehem Station Criminal Investigation Unit and Patrol Unit, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, Allentown Police Department, Allentown Fire Department, ATF, PSP Forensic Services, PSP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialists (C.A.R.S.), PSP Aviation, and UGI.
Heller’s tragic passing has left family, friends, and loved ones grieving the loss of a life taken too soon. The community extends thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
May Kandi Jo Heller be remembered with love, and may her family find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
