Former Howell resident killed in Pa. car crash
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

A former resident of Howell now living in central Pennsylvania was killed and several of her family members were injured in an Oct. 19 motor vehicle accident on Interstate 81 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

According to police, Melissa Fogel, 17, was killed as she was riding in a car being driven by her father, Edward. The crash was caused by a motorist who is suspected of being a drunk driver. Police identified that driver as Joseph Heil III, 56, of Pine Grove, Pa.

Police said Heil was driving the wrong way on Interstate 81 when his vehicle struck the vehicle being driven by Edward Fogel. Heil was driving a Ford Ranger Pickup and Fogel was driving a Mazda MPV.

Fogel and his daughters Marci, 12, and Carrie, 9, were seriously injured in the crash that took Melissa’s life. Fogel’s wife, Maureen, was not in the vehicle.

A spokeswoman for Penn State Hershey Medical Center said on Oct. 22 that Heil was in critical condition, meaning his vital signs were unstable and not within normal limits, he was unconscious, and indicators were unfavorable.

Edward Fogel’s condition was reported as stable, meaning that his vital signs were stable, within normal limits, he is conscious, and indicators are favorable, according to the spokeswoman.

No information on the minors who were involved in the crash was released.

Howell resident Pam Borges, a friend of the Fogel family, said both young girls sustained significant injuries.

Cpl. George Peach of the Pennsylvania State Police, Jonestown Borough, Lebanon County, said on Oct. 22 that Heil had not yet been charged with any motor vehicle violations or crimes. According to Peach, the charges are pending confirmation between the individual and the district attorney.

Peach said Heil could face charges that include driving under the influence and homicide by vehicle. He said State Trooper Nathan Trate, the lead investigator, is expected to file charges sometime next week.

Borges said the Fogel family was returning home from a church function when the accident occurred. She said the Fogels recently moved to Frackville, Pa., after living in the Ramtown section of Howell for 11 years. Borges said the family moved because of financial issues.

Borges has traveled from Howell to Pennsylvania to be with the family. Speaking about Melissa Fogel, she said, “She was as close to perfect as you can get. Melissa was gentle, yet strong. She had a very kind heart.”

Laurie Davidson, 18, of Howell, was neighborhood friends with Melissa. During a telephone interview with a Greater Media Newspapers reporter, Davidson, who was a friend of Melissa’s for more than a decade, cried.

Through her tears she said, “Melissa was a really sweet person. She was a strong Christian and an example to everybody. She was really fun to be around, and really loving.”

According to Borges, the Fogels do not have health insurance or money to bury their daughter. A memorial fund has been established to help them with expenses. Donations to the Melissa Fogel Memorial Fund can be made at any Commerce Bank branch, she said.