A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Indiana County after a side-by-side vehicle crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Levi Douglas Gittings of Armstrong Township. The accident occurred Sunday afternoon along the 1500 block of Blackleggs Road in Young Township, leaving family, friends, and the local community mourning the devastating loss of a young man remembered for his warmth, adventurous nature, and kind heart.
According to the Indiana County Coroner’s Office, Levi was one of two people riding in a side-by-side vehicle traveling southbound when the driver failed to negotiate a left turn. The vehicle left the roadway on the west side, plunged down an embankment, and crashed head-on into a tree before rolling onto the passenger side. Levi, who was seated on the passenger side, was partially ejected from the vehicle and became trapped underneath the wreckage.
Emergency responders, including the Iselin/West Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department, rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly to free him. Despite their efforts, Levi could not be saved. He was pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m. by Coroner Jerry Overman, who confirmed the manner of death as accidental. An autopsy and toxicology report are pending at the Indiana County Forensic Center, as officials continue to investigate the crash’s exact cause.
For those who knew Levi, the news has been nothing short of devastating. Described by loved ones as a hardworking, compassionate, and easygoing young man, Levi was the kind of person who made a lasting impression wherever he went. He was known for his sense of humor, his loyalty to friends, and his ability to bring people together with his easy smile and genuine nature.
Levi had a deep love for the outdoors — a passion reflected in his hobbies, which included off-roading, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends exploring the scenic countryside of Indiana and Armstrong Counties. Friends often recall his adventurous spirit and his willingness to take on any challenge with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether out riding trails or gathered around a bonfire, Levi’s laughter and energy were always at the center of the moment.
Beyond his adventurous side, Levi was a devoted family man at heart. He valued time spent with his loved ones and was known for his caring nature and willingness to help anyone in need. His passing leaves behind an unfillable void in the lives of those closest to him, who describe him as someone with “a heart of gold” and “a smile that could light up the darkest days.”
The Young Township and Armstrong Township communities have come together in the wake of this tragedy, offering condolences, prayers, and support to Levi’s family. Friends have taken to social media to share tributes and memories, remembering him as “a true friend,” “a brother to everyone,” and “a man who lived life to the fullest.”
Funeral arrangements for Levi Gittings have not yet been announced. As his family prepares to say their final goodbyes, the community continues to honor his memory — a young man whose life, though cut short, was lived with purpose, kindness, and love.
Levi’s legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him — through the laughter he shared, the friendships he built, and the countless moments of joy he brought to others. Though he is gone far too soon, his spirit will forever live on in the lives he touched.
