Driver identified in Towamensing crash

Carbon County Coroner Robert Miller said Tyler Koch, 24, of Palmerton was killed in the crash on Christmas Eve in Towamensing Township.

State police at Lehighton said they tried to initiate a traffic stop at 5:53 p.m. Monday in the area of Route 209 and Anderson Drive in Towamensing Township.

Police said Koch, who was driving a Nissan coupe, fled the scene and drove approximately a mile at a high rate of speed before he lost control of the vehicle.

Police said the car ran off the road and struck several trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The state police were assisted at the scene by Don’s Towing, Palmerton EMS, Lehighton EMS and Trachsville and Franklin fire companies.