SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, PA — A Saturday morning motorcycle crash claimed the life of 43-year-old Ronald Litzinger, marking another tragic loss on one of Butler County’s most dangerous roadways. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed Litzinger died after losing control of his bike on Route 422 near the Mitchell Hill exit, where witnesses described a harrowing sequence of events before impact.
The fatal incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when Litzinger’s westbound motorcycle began violently wobbling before careening across both lanes and slamming into a guardrail. State police investigators noted the absence of helmet use likely contributed to the severity of Litzinger’s injuries, which proved fatal at the scene. A medical helicopter initially dispatched was later canceled as first responders realized the grim outcome.
The crash forced a four-hour closure of Route 422 westbound, backing up weekend traffic for miles as accident reconstruction specialists documented skid marks and vehicle debris. Trooper Cazy’s social media alert warned drivers to avoid the area while crews worked the scene—a stretch of highway known for its sharp curves and high-speed traffic.
Neighbors remembered Litzinger as an experienced rider who frequently traveled this route to visit family in Butler. “He always waved when passing my farm,” said local resident Martha Hewitt, whose property borders the crash site. The absence of other involved vehicles has investigators focusing on potential mechanical failure, road conditions, or rider error as contributing factors.
This tragedy highlights Pennsylvania’s ongoing motorcycle safety challenges, particularly given the state’s partial helmet law that only requires riders under 21 to wear protective gear. As Litzinger’s family makes funeral arrangements through Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, traffic safety advocates renew calls for stricter helmet regulations and improved guardrail designs on rural highways.
State police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or saw Litzinger’s motorcycle prior to the incident to contact the Gibsonia barracks. Meanwhile, a ghost bike memorial now stands at the guardrail impact point—a stark reminder of how quickly a routine ride can turn deadly.
