Jacinta Stevens dies in fatal Pittsburgh Parkway East car crash

Jacinta Stevens dies in fatal Pittsburgh Parkway East car crash
Fatal Pittsburgh Parkway East car crash death of Jacinta Stevens – Obituary

Jacinta Stevens, 31, of Pittsburgh’s West End, lost her life after her SUV plunged from the Parkway East into the Monongahela River during a Thursday evening crash, authorities confirmed. Jacinta Stevens was pulled from the icy water by rescue crews and taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Pennsylvania State Police said the incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Interstate 376 eastbound near mile marker 73.1 within the city limits. Investigators believe Stevens was driving a Ford Explorer outbound when the vehicle struck a snowbank, crossed a concrete barrier, and dropped an estimated 120 feet into the river below.

Two people who were under the overpass at the time reportedly saw the SUV fall into the water and immediately alerted a passing driver, who then contacted emergency services. First responders, including Pittsburgh EMS and River Rescue teams, were dispatched to the river area between the Birmingham and Hot Metal bridges.

Troopers said Stevens was submerged for roughly 40 to 60 minutes before being recovered from the river. She was transported in critical condition to UPMC Presbyterian, where she later died.

Authorities have not yet determined whether weather, impairment, or another factor led to the crash. State police said they are seeking witnesses who were traveling the Parkway East between 4 and 5 p.m. and may have observed road conditions or the moments leading up to the incident.

Recovery of the vehicle will involve coordination with city dive teams and towing services. Temporary traffic disruptions are expected while crews work to remove the SUV from the river. Once retrieved, the vehicle will be examined for damage, tire condition, paint transfer, and any onboard video systems that could help clarify what happened.

Investigators noted that a similar crash occurred in the same area more than four decades ago but said two incidents over that span do not indicate a recurring hazard. Crash data from the scene will be forwarded to PennDOT for further analysis regarding roadway safety and signage.

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at 412-299-1607.