Couple married for 52 years killed while crossing Pennsylvania street

Two adults and a juvenile were struck by a Dodge Ram truck in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, killing 74-year-old Eric Lutz and 71-year-old Donna Lutz.

Eric and Donna Lutz were returning home from lunch with their children and grandchildren when the crash occurred at an intersection in Columbia, Pennsylvania. According to Eric’s brother, Kevin, the couple was waiting to cross the street when the truck hit them.

“This pickup truck comes flying around the corner and just smacks right into him,” Kevin said. “They got mowed down in broad daylight… It’s hard for me to fathom that someone couldn’t see them crossing the street.”

The young girl was flown to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital with a fractured skull and a small brain bleed.

Family remembers couple’s life together

The couple lived in their longtime home on Chestnut Street, where a hiking boot filled with soil sits on the steps as a tribute to Eric’s adventurous spirit. Kevin shared that Eric had hiked the Appalachian Trail and that Donna would plant flowers in one of his boots.

Kevin said he plans to honor his brother by doing the same at his own home.

Kevin reflected on their bond, saying, “In a weird way, I was glad they died together. They were married for 52 years. And they died together right here, right in front of their house.”

Police continue investigating crash

The driver of the truck is cooperating with the investigation, and Columbia police have not provided an update as of Monday.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.

Kevin urged drivers to slow down and pay attention to prevent similar tragedies. “It’s a real living nightmare,” he said.