With Heavy Hearts, We Mourn the Loss of Zoey Baughman, 20, in Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash in Fayette County

With Heavy Hearts, We Mourn the Loss of Zoey Baughman, 20, in Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash in Fayette County

HENRY CLAY TOWNSHIP, FAYETTE COUNTY, PA – With heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic and untimely passing of 20-year-old Zoey Baughman, a beloved daughter, friend, and member of the Chambersburg community, who lost her life in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, in Henry Clay Township, Fayette County. The accident has left family, friends, and all who knew Zoey in a state of shock and disbelief, as the promising young life was taken far too soon.

The Tragic Crash

The fatal crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, on a rural stretch of road in Henry Clay Township. According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, Zoey was driving a 2015 Toyota Corolla when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. The force of the impact was severe, and despite swift emergency response from local law enforcement and medical teams, Zoey was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

“We are devastated by this tragic incident,” said Sheriff Emily Thompson of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Zoey’s family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. At this time, our investigators are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash.”

The sheriff’s department has confirmed that Zoey was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Given the rural nature of the area and the time of night, it’s believed that Zoey was driving alone when the incident occurred.

Zoey Baughman: A Life Full of Promise

Zoey Baughman was a bright, vibrant young woman who had her entire life ahead of her. Born and raised in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Zoey was known for her infectious personality, kind heart, and deep sense of loyalty to her family and friends. A 2023 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Zoey was known to be a hardworking and determined young woman, with dreams of building a fulfilling future.

“She was a joy to be around, always laughing, always positive,” said one of her childhood friends, who preferred to remain anonymous. “She had a way of lighting up a room. Everyone loved her. It’s just so hard to believe she’s gone.”

Zoey was attending college at a local institution, pursuing her studies in business administration, and had recently started working part-time at a local boutique. Those who knew Zoey described her as driven and motivated, with an unwavering commitment to her future. She had big plans for her life and was determined to succeed in both her studies and career.

Her friends recalled how Zoey’s enthusiasm for life was evident in everything she did. Whether it was helping others, volunteering at community events, or just spending time with her friends, she was always eager to make the world a better place, one small act at a time.

“She was so full of life and so full of love,” said Zoey’s best friend, Jenna Hayes. “She had big dreams and a heart of gold. Everyone who met her was touched by her kindness.”

Details of the Investigation

At present, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. While it is still too early to determine the exact cause, several factors will be considered as part of the ongoing inquiry. The investigation will likely focus on:

1. Speed and Road Conditions: Authorities will be looking into whether speed played a role in the crash. The stretch of road where the accident occurred is rural and narrow, and investigators will examine whether road conditions, particularly at the time of the crash, could have contributed to the tragedy.

2. Weather Conditions: Given the early hour of the crash, the investigation will likely look at weather conditions that night, including visibility and any potential hazards, such as rain, fog, or slick roads.

3. Driver Impairment: Authorities will also be conducting toxicology tests to determine if alcohol, drugs, or any other substances were involved in the crash. This is a standard part of any fatal accident investigation.

4. Vehicle Condition: The condition of the vehicle at the time of the crash will also be scrutinized. Investigators will review whether there were any mechanical failures or issues with the car that may have contributed to the loss of control.

5. Witness Statements: Law enforcement is speaking with individuals who may have witnessed the accident or who were familiar with Zoey’s activities leading up to the crash. They are also reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby areas to gain a clearer understanding of the events that transpired.

Fayette County authorities have requested that anyone with additional information about the crash or Zoey’s movements that night come forward to assist with the investigation.

The Heartbreak of Losing Zoey

Zoey’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the Chambersburg community, where she was well-known and well-loved. Her family, devastated by the loss of their daughter, has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time, but they have expressed their deep gratitude for the support and condolences they have received from friends, neighbors, and the wider community.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful daughter Zoey,” said Zoey’s parents, Samuel and Lisa Baughman, in a statement. “Zoey was a light in our lives, and her absence will leave an unfillable void. We are thankful for the outpouring of love and support from our friends, family, and the community, but we ask for privacy as we grieve and try to make sense of this unimaginable loss.”

The Baughman family, who is seeking answers through the investigation, is also working to honor Zoey’s memory through a fund that will support educational scholarships for local students pursuing careers in business and community service, areas that were near and dear to Zoey’s heart.

A Community in Mourning

The tragic passing of Zoey Baughman has affected the entire Chambersburg area, where residents are rallying around her family and friends. Local businesses, schools, and churches have expressed their condolences, and memorials and tributes have been organized to honor her memory.

A public memorial service is being planned for Zoey, where loved ones and members of the community will gather to celebrate her life and legacy. In addition, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and to support the scholarship fund being established in her name.

“Zoey touched so many lives in such a short time,” said Chambersburg High School principal, Deborah Greene. “She was the kind of student who made an impact, not just academically but in the way she made people feel valued and appreciated. She will be missed, but her legacy of kindness and determination will live on.”

A Reminder of the Fragility of Life

As the community mourns the loss of Zoey, her death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. In the blink of an eye, everything can change, and the loss of a loved one can leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew them. The circumstances of the crash, still under investigation, may reveal important lessons on the importance of safety and caution on the road, especially late at night or in rural areas with limited visibility.

For Zoey’s family and friends, the pain of losing her will never fade, but they are determined to carry forward the love, kindness, and joy that Zoey brought into their lives. They hope that by honoring her memory, they can keep her spirit alive, ensuring that the light she brought to the world continues to shine, even in the darkest of times.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation unfolds and the community continues to process this tragic loss, Zoey’s family and friends remain focused on keeping her memory alive. They ask that everyone remember Zoey not for the way she left this world but for the incredible young woman she was and the positive impact she had on everyone she met.

“We love you, Zoey,” her best friend Jenna Hayes said tearfully. “You’ll never be forgotten. We will carry your light with us always.”

For those wishing to honor Zoey’s memory or offer condolences, a memorial page has been set up online, where donations can be made to the Zoey Baughman Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In this time of grief, the hope is that Zoey’s passing will inspire others to live life with the same kindness, passion, and love that she so freely gave. The Chambersburg community stands united in remembering Zoey and supporting her family through this unimaginable loss.