Limerick Teen, Spring-Ford Baseball Star, Dies After Weekend Crash

LIMERICK TOWNSHIP, PA — A Limerick teenager and Spring-Ford Area High School student has died after a tragic motor vehicle accident over the weekend, and the community is rallying together to support his family.

Jay Crater, 17, a well-known baseball player and beloved member of the community, succumbed to his injuries Wednesday after the crash on Saturday night, friends and family confirmed.

Related: 3 Hospitalized After Crash In Upper Providence

"Despite the tremendous efforts by his medical team and the unwavering support of his family, Jay’s condition was critical, and he succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident," Heather Weikert Hungate wrote in a GoFundMe created to support the family.

A total of $91,594 had been raised through 1,400 donations to his medical and funeral fund as of late Thursday.

Crater was one of three people hospitalized after the single vehicle crash, which occurred just before 10 p.m. on Hopwood Road, between Chinaberry Lane and Harvest Lane. A second person was taken to Children's Hospital in serious condition, and a third was taken to Paoli Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Upper Providence Township Police said they are still investigating exactly what happened.

"Jay was a beloved son, brother, teammate, and friend whose spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him," Hungate added. "His family is heartbroken by this loss and is now faced with the overwhelming task of not only mourning their son but also navigating the financial burdens that come with such a tragic event."

Crater starred on the Spring-Ford Area High School baseball team. He was a rising junior and was slated to graduate in 2026.

Tributes poured in from around the community, including the Creekside Sports Bar and Grille, where he worked.

"Our extended Creekside family lost one of our own," the restaurant shared. "Jay was a great kid who worked for us on two different occasions, and his family are friends. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and please consider donation to help his family with expenses during this difficult time."

To learn more and to donate to the GoFundMe, see here.