Additional details have been released and charges have been formally filed in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on October 20, 2025, on Grant Road in Ridgway Township, Elk County.

According to court records filed April 10, 2026, Damian Robert Patterson, 25, of Ridgway, is facing multiple charges, including:• Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence (F2)• Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI (F2)• Homicide by Vehicle (F3)• Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (F3)• DUI (BAC .16% or higher)• Involuntary Manslaughter (M1)• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2)• Along with related summary traffic offenses

The charges stem from a crash that claimed the life of Mason Neureiter, 20, of Ridgway.According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers were dispatched around 10:30 a.m. to a crash involving a Ram 1500 pickup. Upon arrival, the vehicle was found to have sustained heavy damage to the front, roof, and passenger side.

EMS crews on scene reported that the passenger was entrapped and not breathing, and was believed to be in traumatic arrest prior to extrication. He was later pronounced deceased approximately one hour after the crash by Elk County Coroner Michele Muccio. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be multiple traumatic injuries.

The driver, Patterson, was located conscious and alert at the scene. Investigators noted a strong odor of alcohol and signs of impairment. Witness statements indicated the vehicle crossed the double yellow center lines and nearly struck another vehicle prior to the crash.According to the criminal complaint, Patterson initially told troopers that the passenger grabbed the steering wheel, causing the crash. He later admitted to consuming approximately six beers the night prior into the early morning hours. When asked about a blood alcohol test, Patterson allegedly stated, “Oh, for sure. A hundred percent.”Toxicology results showed Patterson’s blood alcohol content at 0.22 at the time of the crash. Investigators also reported that speed was a contributing factor, with the vehicle traveling approximately 50 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Patterson was also reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.He is currently being held in Elk County Prison after failing to post $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

This remains an active case moving through the court system. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.