Rimersburg man dies in Route 322 crash

From staff reports

Franklin state police said a Rimersburg man died following a two-vehicle crash at about 6:10 p.m. Tuesday on Route 322 near Van.

Police said Willard A. Conner, 65, was traveling east on Route 322 in a 2002 Dodge Neon when for unknown reasons the vehicle went into the westbound lane. The Neon struck a 2008 Saturn Aura driven by John J. Michael, 42, of Emlenton.

After the collision the Neon spun back across the road and came to rest on the berm, police said. The Aura came to rest facing west on the berm against the guide rail.

Venango County Coroner Christina Rugh pronounced Conner deceased on the scene due to blunt force trauma. Michael was taken to UPMC Northwest for treatment of injuries, police said.

Three passengers in Michael’s vehicle were not injured.

Route 322 was closed from Route 38 to Hill City Road for a little more than two hours.

Franklin state police were assisted on the scene by Seneca and Rockland volunteer firefighters, Community Ambulance Service and Venango and Minich’s towing.