Portage mourns victims of crash
By Cori Bolger,cbolger@altoonamirror.comArticle Photos
PORTAGE - At any time of day, Jim McCloskey can step onto his front porch and see cars flying through the dips on Shady Springs Road, known locally as ''Roller Coaster Road.''
Drivers speed down the road to try to go airborne off the crest of the hills, McCloskey said.
"It's a fun road for the kids,'' he said. ''It sort of makes your stomach tickle.''
McCloskey has seen his fair share of minor accidents on the narrow shortcut through Portage Township, but he'll never forget the horrific scene he woke up to at 3:30 a.m. Sunday.
A 2003 Chevy Cavalier driving east and a 1989 Chevy pickup truck driving west collided head-on in front of McCloskey's house, waking nearby residents with a tremendous bang.
McCloskey said visions of the car wedged halfway under the truck in the darkness will stay with him forever.
''Yesterday, I started wearing my seat belt again,'' he said. ''It's just unreal that those two cars ended up right there, right at that time of night.''
The crash took the lives of four former Portage Area High School students: driver Richard J. McKrush Jr., 22; Joseph Gordon Maximillion Krug Jr., 25; Eric Paul Secriskey, 25; and Ryan James Zunich, 26.
Their friend, Trevor David Squillario, 24, was riding in the back seat and survived. He is in serious condition at Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown with chest injuries and broken bones.
The doctors and nurses keep telling him how fortunate he is, but they're still waiting to tell him about the fate of his buddies, said his father, David Squillario.
''We feel fortunate, but when we think about those who didn't make it through, we feel bad for those families, and we'll do anything we can to help them,'' he said.
The driver of the truck, James Earl Gaunt, 34, and his two passengers, Bernice Angel Gillette, 30, and Johnny Allen Lauver, 29, all of Portage, also are in serious condition at the hospital.
The crash remains under investigation, but speeding by both drivers and alcohol were factors, said Jeffrey Lees, Cambria County chief deputy coroner.
State police at Ebensburg said McKrush crossed the centerline coming over the hill and hit Gaunt's truck, which also was traveling at a speed higher than the posted 25 mph.
None of the passengers in McKrush's car was wearing a seat belt. Friends say they were on their way home from a night of partying around town.
Jodi Kick, 21, said the close-knit community is reeling from news that four young men are gone. Kick hung out with the group hours before the crash at Bradie's Bar & Grill and said she's in disbelief.
''Everybody knows everybody here, so the viewings are going to be bad for everybody,'' she said.
Krug, Zunich and McKrush were captains of the Mustang football team and likeable guys, said their coach, Gary Gouse.
''I remember people calling me about them saying positive things, and now it's so different,'' Gouse said. ''I have so many good memories of those kids, and it's just awful.''
Krug, a starting center known as ''Gordo,'' was the first football player also to play in the marching band. He served as choir director and organist at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and wanted to become a priest.
He spent two years at a seminary in Columbus, Ohio, before returning to his hometown.
"At football camp, he used to play his accordion at night,'' Gouse said. "He was a really fun kid to be around, and he always had a joke to tell.''
Zunich was a dedicated weightlifter who attended football games after graduation to cheer on the Mustangs. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was employed as a geographic information systems specialist.
''He was a quieter kid, but he had his moments of joking around, but he was serious in the weight room,'' Gouse said.
McKrush, known as ''Rich,'' was a four-year letterman named to The Associated Press Class A first team as an offensive lineman in 2003.
He also wrestled and threw shot put, discus and javelin with the track and field team.
''He had an abundance of talent and was very big and quick,'' Gouse said.
Secriskey was the father of a 6-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son and enjoyed hunting and fishing, said his grandfather Paul Secriskey.
He was expected to start a labor job at the local mines in August.
''He was a good guy, not trouble the way people say he was,'' Secriskey said. ''His favorite thing was to go out and have fun ... he had a lot of friends and loved his kids a lot.''
Although the men were out of high school, they still had ties to the district and its staff, Superintendent Richard Bernazzoli said.
It didn't surprise Bernazzoli that the former classmates kept in touch through the years, even as they moved away and came back.
''Four dead at one time is devastation,'' Bernazzoli said. ''There are no other words to describe it, or ways to comprehend it.''
Mark A. Serenko Funeral Home is handling services for the men, which are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Portage.
Mirror Staff Writer Cori Bolger is at 946-7458.
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portage15946
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08-06-08 10:58 PM
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Who hasn’t made mistakes. No one has room to judge anyone. No one should be looking to place blame, and the people in the truck are definitely hurting as well. We are an extremely close knit community and I think that everyone is hurting. The people of this community definitely pulled together. I think that people need to realize that the families are reading these posts and you really need to think of how some of the rudeness and non compassion makes them feel. Being from Portage and knowing the young men it is extremely devastating. They were incredible men and I think everyone is lucky to have known them. My prayers are with the family through this difficult time and hopefully none of you have to experience something like this.
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portage15946
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08-06-08 10:58 PM
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Everyone had opinions and everyone is entitled to them i totally agree with that, however i think that everyone in this town is feeling the pain of this ACCIDENT. yes it was an accident. these men were not out getting trashed and going for a joy ride, this road was a direct route to one of their houses. Did they make a mistake, yes i think that they did, however no one really knows the real story and it seems to me that the media is very much one sided. They said alcohol and speed were a factor-- yes they were both speeding and both drinking.. The driver of the truck was reported to be going 45 in a 25 and i would consider that speeding. The drivers blood alcohol level of the deceased car has not been released, nor his speed, however the paper is quick to point the finger of blame to him Did everyone make a mistake, yes i would agree but all of this media attention isn’t helping the families. this is truly a tragedy and i don’t think people can understand unless they are in thi
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8813na
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07-17-08 3:40 PM
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CharlieV, your comments are well spoken. Your suggestion of a school assembly is great. I would be surprised if a program were not already in the planning by the district. Something positive must come out of such a tragedy. Our youth need to realize that they are not invincible. The prayers of all are appreciated. The families, friends, and community will eventially heal over time but life has been forever changed. Regardless of how these young men left us, they will be missed. Let us remember them for the good memories and the accomplishments they achieved during their short lives.
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CharlieVarrick
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07-17-08 1:35 PM
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8813na I believe you. I'm sure they were very loving young men towards there respective families. It's still doesn't detract from the fact that they made a terrible choice. They knew full well what they were doing. I didn't know these young men but I accept what you said. Lets hope we all, especially the younger ones, learn a valuable lesson from this. I wonder if all the Portage schools shouldn't be doing an assembly once school starts about this incident. Sometimes it's best to openly discuss the ramifications of making poor choices. I sincerely pray for all the families involved. No one deserves to die like this. Choices we make in life will eventually do us in. Lets just hope that we make good choices for ourselves so that when we depart this life our loved ones won't be in agony.
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ty123456
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07-16-08 9:50 PM
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ChuxSpringer you are so cold hearted I hope and pray for your sake nothing ever happens like this in your family or to a friend. You didn't know any of these young men but your judging them. Let them RIP!!!
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8813na
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07-16-08 2:40 PM
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This is a devastating event that the community of Portage will NEVER get over completely. As a resident of Portage and a parent of children who were friends of Ryan, Gordon, Rich and Eric, please know that these were all outstanding special young men. Some of us will never forget watching the exciting Friday night football games and being amazed at their talent and dedication, their unselfish volunteer work, taking care of their families and friends, the pride they held in their school and community, seeing them succeed in college, and making us laugh. Portage is indeed a richer town because they touched our lives in some way and they will be deeply missed. As was said, we have all made bad choices in our lives but were lucky enough to have a second chance. Only God knows why they were taken from us so soon. Please pray for the families and friends who suffer their loss and the survivors who all have a long road ahead.
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Chuxspringer
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07-16-08 1:32 PM
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Besides why does the news media insist on calling these ACCIDENTS. Very few vehicle CRASHES are the result of an accident. Human error and stupidity do not equate to accidental.
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Chuxspringer
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07-16-08 1:11 PM
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YEA DRINKING AND A ROLLER COASTER IN A PARK IS THE SAFER WAY TO GET THRILLS. Not out on the public road. Thank God the deceased were not the innocents.
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melijan
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07-16-08 10:19 AM
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Living in the town of Portage where the people take care of each other is amazing. The town people pull together and help each other. Today starts the healing process as we view two of the young men who lost their life. Until Saturday reaches us we will all be deeply sadden and lost for words but regardless we have each other to help us make it through it and together we will help Trevor get through it. We may never know what happen on that early morning drive but this town will help each other grasp reality and go forward. There is also 3 other people that need your prayers that were in the truck that was hit. They to are still in the hospital and have many days ahead of healing . Keep all in prayer and dont judge as you never know what tomorrow brings for yourself.
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CharlieVarrick
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07-16-08 8:02 AM
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PaGirl, it unfortunately was a selfish act. They were young adults. We all know the ramifications of drinking and then getting into a car. Your failure to see this and understand it, is duly noted. Hopefully you won't be making a selfish choice like this one day. It was selfish and they were mature enough to understand right from wrong. I'm sad that you don't see it.
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RobFan530
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07-16-08 7:35 AM
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Ok, people, I have been reading all the comments. All of you are saying, "This was a mistake". NO, a mistake is forgetting to turn the iron off, or forgetting that your kid has baseball practice. This was, by no means, a mistake. These men were old enough to know what drinking and driving can do. Does anyone think this was their first time behind the wheel drunk? I think not. For the one that had kids, when was he going to grow up? I have a 7 year old and I don't go out and 'party', I want to be there for my child. I agree totally with MelGoodman, perhaps this should be a lesson for upcoming young drivers. I do, of course, feel bad for the families, they lost children. They are not the ones who decided to drink and drive, but they are suffering because their child decided to drink and/or get in the car with a drunk driver. At least they won't be on the road, drunk, when I am traveling with my child.
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ResidentofShadyspring
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07-15-08 10:34 PM
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We live about 300 feet from where this happened. It's so horrific to see this happen. We are praying for Trevor and for the familes of all of the vistims involved. This is a very dangerous road and I do hope people slow down.
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ty123456
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07-15-08 9:42 PM
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I agree that MelGoodman's comment was out of line but please remember there are people out there that don't have hearts. I am a relative of one of the young men and our his family need thoughts and prayers right now. Not people talking bad about there love one. Everyone can talk all they want but only one person knows what happened that night and that is the Lord above. So please let it go!
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SammieMC00
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07-15-08 8:35 PM
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Reading most of these comments just makes me sick. Does no one have a heart and the decency to realize what the familes and friends of everyone involved is going through. Which at this point in time is the entire community of portage. I think we all realize what a mistake was made that fateful Sunday morning, but a mockery doesn't need made of it. Having graduated with Ryan, been in Band with Gordo....lived up the street from Rich and known Eric from school this is very difficult. I have been praying constantly for Trevor who I consider family and I have known since I was about six. He has yet to know exactly what has happened, and although he is fighting hard now to stay with us his fight has just begun and he does not need criticism from anyone as to the choices of that night. I ask that you all pray from Trevor, as well as those we lost, the families and friends of all involved.
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PAgirl
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07-15-08 7:35 PM
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CharlieVarrick-In one sentence you are condemning the victims by calling them selfish, and in the next comment you say "we all have made mistakes in our lives". How can you be so contradictory? You are on the mark, CharlieVarrick, when you say that you do not know the victims. If they had taken their own lives on purpose, that would be selfish. To make a mistake or lack clear judgement without ever being able to conceive of the horrendous consequences that lay ahead, is human nature. Maybe you and MelGoodman can be roommates in a giant glass house.
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CharlieVarrick
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07-15-08 6:33 PM
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In my humble opinion I think Mr. Goodman means well but his choice of words misses the mark. I can't read his/her mind but we all have made mistakes in our lives. For some they're more drastic than others and in this case the victims won't be afforded a second chance. These young men made the wrong choice. You would think other young people would look at this incident and learn from it but unfortunately they won't because some young people think they're invincible. Sadly they're mistaken. This will happen again and again. All we can do as parents, relatives or friends is to constantly make our loved ones realize there are no second chances when one drinks and drives. It's our job to convey this to the younger generation. Failure to communicate this could lead to tragedy. Please do yourselves a favor and try and communicate this lesson to your loved ones. There are no second chances with regard to drinking and driving.
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lambs1
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07-15-08 4:22 PM
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I hope Goodman has no children, but if he does I hope they are all living in the same glass house!
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dragon3
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07-15-08 3:13 PM
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I am so so happy to see that I am not the only one who thinks that Goodman was so out of line with the comment. I still can not believe that you made such a heartless comment. I hope that you never have to go throught this. These men, their families and their friends have lost a few of their classmates years earlier and now they ALL have to go through this again. Our prayers go out to Trevor and the ohters in the accident too. Being born/raised in Portage and knowing some of the boys, it is heartbreaking to EVERYONE and they will never be forgotten.
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FLAYM44
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07-15-08 1:18 PM
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My condolences and prayers to all the families. Goodman.....Your remark made my stomach churn. Obviously, you have never lost a loved one in a tradegy.
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lambs1
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07-15-08 12:24 PM
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Goodman, I do hope that you have, all your life lived up to your last name "Goodman" and have NEVER erred in your lifetime. Doughtfully so. In our lives and in this world everyday we read of tragities in every capacity. We make mistakes and bad judgement calls throughout our lives, some are lucky to walk away unharmed, some do not. My heart truly hurts for the families, friends and the town of Portage. I suggest you take your field trip to the nearest church to find that we are just all HUMANS that will not be perfect, you included!
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CharlieVarrick
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07-15-08 11:54 AM
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My condolences to the family even though I don't know them. But what a truly selfish act these young men, not boys, committed against everything good and right in the world. And the poor families who will have to live with this the rest of their lives. What possesses the human heart to become so selfish and so self absorbed. Youth is truly wasted on the young.
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dragon3
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07-15-08 10:43 AM
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Mel, you have to be kidding..make the viewings a field trip. These where good men you made a very very poor choice, now their families, friends and entire is morning and you want to make their last moments with them a field trip. I can understand why you might have said it, to show the people what happens when you choose to drink and drive, by I think you might have been able to said it a little different. This is a shock to the enitre town and everyone knows everyone. It will never be the same to drive down that raod again and I think that almost everyone have been on "roller coaster" road once in their lives trying to get their stomach to tingle a little. All that we can do is pray for the familes of the ones lost, friends, neighbors and those who responded to the accident...their lives have changed forever that morning and will never be the same again. May the all rest in peace and may the ones who survied be healed quickly. :(
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MelGoodman
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07-15-08 9:43 AM
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they need to make the viewing a field-trip for anyone that drinks and drives.
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mama64
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07-15-08 7:31 AM
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this is just awful. my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family members. this is very devastating, and i feel so sad for the two little children who lost their Daddy. i will pray for all of you.
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