19-year-old killed in multi-vehicle crash in North Hills
A 19-year-old is dead after an early morning, multi-vehicle crash at the Ross Township-West View border, according to Allegheny County police.
Just after 6 a.m., police were notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highland and Cornell Avenues. Once they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman was dead and the man driving the other vehicle was not hurt. The medical examiner identified the victim as 19-year-old Addalena Maiette.
An early investigation found that three cars were stopped in the left-hand lane of Highland Avenue, and when the third vehicle attempted to pass the two vehicles stopped by merging into the oncoming lane, the first vehicle attempted to make a left turn, causing the collision.
Police said that due to the amount of damage sustained in the crash, they are not able to determine which of the vehicles was attempting to pass and which was attempting to make a turn.
The accident also caused power outages, which led to Northgate Middle-High School cancelling classes and activities for the day.
Residents in West View say it's a problem stretch of road
The people who live on the stretch of road said that Highland Avenue is often busy and dark at that hour; they also said that drivers often treat it like a race track.
"I looked to the right, I saw what was going on down there, and I said, 'Oh my, I hope nothing was really wrong,' but I found out later," recalled Raymond Gonzales. "The speed limit is 30 miles both ways, but they go faster than that."
Gonzales has lived there for 14 years and said he's seen at least six crashes, always fearing the worst, and Thursday it happened.
"I pray for the person who was killed, and the other injured, and I hope something gets done with this," he said.
Many other residents in the neighborhood agree that something needs to change — whether that's a three-way stop, speed bumps, or anything that could help.
"I know it's hard to do, but maybe have some police presence here, just maybe across from my house, to let people know, 'Hey, we're here, slow down,'" Gonzales said.
After an hours-long closure, Highland Avenue reopened to traffic.
North Hills mourns recent graduate
The North Hills School District said it's mourning Maiette, a 2025 graduate who played soccer and studied carpentry at A.W. Beattie Career Center.
"We extend our sincere condolences to Addie's family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched," the district said in a statement.
Counselors will be available at the high school to help students.
"This heartbreaking loss reminds us how quickly life can change. May we find strength in one another and comfort in the love of family, friends, and our community," the district added.
Melanie Zuber, who knows the 19-year-old's parents, said Maiette will be greatly missed.
"We all feel a loss for this family," Zuber said.