In the quiet expanse of Farmington Township, Pennsylvania, a serene Thursday afternoon turned tragic on April 24, 2025, when a devastating collision on State Route 66 claimed the lives of Robert A. Zanotto, 71, and his wife, Cheryl A. Zanotto, 66, both residents of Leechburg. The couple, riding together on a motorcycle, embodied a shared love for the open road, a passion that ended abruptly in a head-on crash with a Honda CR-V near Vince’s Tavern. The incident, reported to first responders at 4:06 p.m., has left the tight-knit Clarion County community grappling with grief and a renewed awareness of the fragility of life.
The collision occurred as Bette McKenna, 86, of Tarentum, drove northbound on Route 66 with her 85-year-old husband, Dale McKenna, as her passenger. According to the Marienville-based Pennsylvania State Police, Bette attempted a left turn onto Tylersburg Road, inadvertently crossing the path of the Zanottos’ southbound motorcycle. The impact was catastrophic, striking the motorcycle head-on and bringing the CR-V to a halt in the southbound lane. Robert Zanotto, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene from accidental blunt force injuries, as confirmed by Clarion County Coroner Dan Shingledecker. Cheryl, who wore a helmet, was airlifted by STAT MedEvac to Penn Highlands DuBois, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Bette McKenna sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Southern Clarion County Ambulance Service but declined further medical transport. Dale McKenna, secured by a seat belt, emerged uninjured and was evaluated by Clarion Hospital EMS. The couple’s survival, contrasted with the Zanottos’ loss, underscores the unpredictable outcomes of such accidents. Emergency response was swift, with Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company and Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department assisting state police in managing the scene. Route 66, a vital artery through Clarion County, remained closed for nearly three hours, reopening only after crews cleared the wreckage at 6:41 p.m.
The Zanottos’ deaths have reverberated beyond Farmington Township, touching their hometown of Leechburg, where they were known for their warmth and community ties. Robert, a retired machinist, and Cheryl, a former school aide, were often seen riding together, their motorcycle a symbol of their shared adventures. Friends and neighbors have shared stories of their generosity, recalling how they organized local charity rides and welcomed newcomers with open hearts. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles now marks the crash site, a poignant reminder of lives cut short.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in rural Pennsylvania, where narrow roads and unexpected turns can pose significant risks, particularly for motorcyclists. State Police continue to investigate the crash, examining factors such as visibility, road conditions, and the timing of Bette McKenna’s turn. While no charges have been reported, the incident has sparked discussions about enhancing driver awareness and improving signage at intersections like Tylersburg Road.
As Farmington Township mourns, the Zanottos’ legacy endures through the memories of those they touched. Their loss serves as a somber call for vigilance on the roads, urging drivers to pause, look twice, and consider the lives intertwined in every journey. The community now holds its breath, hoping for healing and answers in the wake of an afternoon that changed everything.