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Ira L. Mast, 74 of Mystertown, was driving a 2015 GMC Canyon south on Hilltop Road/PA Route 645 when he fatally struck a 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Hugo Medranoespinal, 41 of Barstow, California, Trooper Ryan Shuetrumpf detailed in a PSP release on Feb. 29.
Medranoespinal had been going east on Woleber Road when he drove through a stop sign at the intersection with Hilltop Road and continued into the south lane on Hilltop Road on Feb. 19, Shuetrumpf explained.
Meanwhile, Mast was not wearing his seatbelt and going an unknown rate of speed when "a slight dip in the road," prevented him from seeing Medranoespinal, so he thought the roadway was clear, but instead, he struck the Freightliner, Shuetrumpf stated in the release.
Medranoespinal reversed the tractor-trailer and parked in front of the stop sign, as Mast's Canyon stopped facing south in the lane he was originally traveling in, according to the release.
PSP was called to the scene of the crash at 2:50 p.m. They found Mast still in the driver's seat suffering from a head wound after bouncing into the rearview mirror during the crash. Shuetrumpf noted that all of his airbags had deployed.
Mast was taken to Reading Hospital where he died from his injuries, according to the PSP release.
Although the release states that Medranoespinal was charged with "Homicide Involuntary Manslaughter," no court documents have been filed.
Daily Voice reached out to PSP Public Information Officer Trooper David Beohm and was told "I did confirm with the trooper investigating the fatal crash. The crash report was sent to the Lebanon County DA’s office to see what charges will be filed."
We've also reached out to DA Pier Hess Graf's office regarding charges in this case and have yet to hear back as of 1:30 p.m. on March 5.
Ira has been a door hanger since 1971, becoming the co-owner of the Shank Door Company in 1976. He was serving as senior advisor and partner at the time of his death, the company said on its Facebook page.
He was also an active member of the Swatara Mennonite Church, where he served as a deacon for more than 50 years, in addition to serving on several boards and committees, according to his obituary.
He's survived by his wife of 53 years: Louise (Shank); six children: "James D. husband of Katie (Fisher) Mast of Myerstown, Wilma J. wife of Matthew Brunk of Elida, OH, Judith M. wife of LaVern Miller of Estacada, OR, David R. husband of Joan (Martin) Mast of Myerstown, Christina J. wife of Jolan Martin of Reinholds, and Darvin B. Mast of Lancaster; 27 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; [a] brother Philip Mast; and [three] sisters: Rosa wife of Wayne Martin, Lorene Mast, and Louella wife of David Lehman," as written in his obituary.
His funeral was held at his church on Feb. 26. He was buried at the cemetery next door.
Donations in his name can be made to Pilgrim Mennonite Missions, 180 Greble Rd., Myerstown, PA 17067.
Check back for any updates regarding charges in this case.
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