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Passenger, Jennifer L. Perez-Wolfkeil, 66, and driver, David W. Wolfkeil, 69, both of Niceville, Florida, were in a Kia Sportage when they rear-ended 2024 Nissan Kicks while merging from the right to the left lane at mile marker 98.3 in Pine Grove around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, PSP Jonestown Trooper Dallin Ocasio detailed in the release.
The car behind them, a 2017 Hyundai Sonata rear-ended the Kia— this pushed the Nissan into a 2018 Honda Civic — which struck the rear of a 2005 Pontiac, ending the domino effect Trooper Ocasio explained.
Out of the five vehicles involved in the crash, four were too badly damaged to be driven from the scene, according to Ocasio.
David Wolfkeil and the unidentified driver of the Hyundai were taken to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, PSP explained. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
Jennifer Perez-Wolfkeil was pronounced dead at the scene, as stated in the release. The Schuylkill County Coroner was called to the scene.
Numerous Lebanon and Schuylkill counties's EMS and fire departments also responded to the scene.
The interstate was closed from Exit 90: PA 72 - Lebanon to Exit 100: PA 443 - Pine Grove for over four hours, according to PennDOT.
Jennifer was a native of Niagara Falls, New York, who moved to Florida in 1996, according to her LinkedIn. She was a 1980 graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications who went on to earn her Master of Science in International Relations and Affairs from Troy University in 1994.
Before she became a teacher she worked as the assistant to the CEO at Newmyer & Associates, Inc. in Washington, D.C. — but even earlier in her career she lived in the Philippines working as a Radio Officer with US Service, and a Broadcaster/Engineer with the Far East Network-American Forces Radio and Television Service, she detailed in her resume posted on social media.
Finally, she became a mom and a teacher in the Okaloosa County School District for over 27 years, according to her LinkedIn.
She enjoyed learning new things, spending time with her family, and reading, according to her social media. She is survived by her daughter and husband.
Additional information, including funeral details, was not immediately available. Her family is invited to contact Daily Voice with such details by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.
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