Kyle Hites, just 19 and full of promise, has died from injuries sustained in a late-night crash. His passing has shaken Mercer Borough to its core.
The accident unfolded on Wednesday, October 8, at about 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of Greenville Avenue and Penn Avenue. Mercer Borough Police Chief Robert Davis reports that Kyle was riding his bicycle in the darkness, wearing dark clothing, when he emerged from a driveway into the road and was struck by an oncoming van. The van driver has not been publicly identified.
First responders rushed Kyle to the hospital by helicopter after the collision left him critically wounded. For days, doctors fought to save his life. But on Monday, October 13, he succumbed to his injuries, sending ripples of grief throughout his family, friends, and the broader community.
Chief Davis confirmed that, as of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Officials say the circumstances—darkness, low visibility, and Kyle’s dark clothing—are being examined as possible contributing factors.
People who knew Kyle remember him as warm, energetic, full of life and potential. In the quiet aftermath, their memories fill local conversations and social posts. The loss of someone so young is sudden, unfair—and deeply felt.
As Mercer Borough mourns, law enforcement is urging both motorists and cyclists to take extra care after dusk. Use bright lighting, wear reflective gear, and remain vigilant—especially in residential areas and driveways.
Kyle’s death is a tragic reminder: in the dark, a moment’s misstep or unseen movement can change everything. Let his memory call us to greater caution and compassion on the road.