Penn State Berks student killed in crash near campus

A student at Penn State Berks was killed in a one-vehicle crash over the weekend near the Spring Township campus.

Xuanyi Zhu, 20, of Portland, Ore., was pronounced dead at 4:10 a.m. Saturday at the scene by Berks County Deputy Coroner Sarah Shivers.

The crash happened about 2 a.m. on Tulpehocken Road at Clary Drive, which is the entrance to the residence halls, just south of the Grings Mill Recreation Area entrance.

Zhu, who went by the first name of “Will,” was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle, which was occupied by three other students, officials said. He wasn’t using a seat belt.

Officials at the Berks Campus announced the death Monday morning through their digital notification system. They said three other students were taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

“The entire Penn State Berks community extends our heartfelt condolences to Will’s family, friends and all who knew him,” the message stated. “This is a time of great sorrow for the entire campus community. As we grieve, please know that there are a variety of resources available to students, faculty, and staff.”

Students in need of support were referred to the Penn State Crisis Line or Residence Life.

Spring Township police are investigating the crash, but details were unavailable.

An autopsy was performed Sunday, but results are pending.

Source: Berkshire mont