Community Still Grieves One Year After Loss of 11-Year-Old Roxanne Bonnoni
Harrison Township, Pennsylvania, remains heartbroken over the tragic death of 11-year-old Roxanne Bonnoni, whose life was cut short in a devastating car crash on August 20, 2024. What began as a day like any other ended in unimaginable loss when Roxanne was fatally injured in a collision involving 65-year-old driver Jeffrey Glowatski.
Initially, authorities reported that the driver had stayed at the scene, but as investigations progressed, troubling details emerged. Court documents revealed that Glowatski had consumed twelve alcoholic beverages between the afternoon and the time of the accident. Blood tests later confirmed his blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit. The discovery has only deepened the sorrow and outrage within the community, as many believe this tragedy could have been prevented entirely.
Shocking Revelations About the Driver’s Actions
Witness accounts and investigative findings paint a disturbing picture of Glowatski’s condition leading up to the crash. He was reportedly seen leaving a local establishment shortly before the incident, already heavily impaired. Despite clear evidence of excessive drinking, the charges he faces focus mainly on DUI-related offenses and negligence, without directly accusing him of causing Roxanne’s death.
For Roxanne’s grieving family, the lack of homicide charges feels like an injustice. Their attorney, Fred Rabner, has explained that certain technicalities in Pennsylvania law prevent prosecutors from pursuing more serious charges in this case — but he firmly believes that if Glowatski had been sober, Roxanne might still be alive today.
Community members share this frustration. Local resident Colby Henry described learning of the driver’s extreme intoxication as “deeply unsettling,” while neighbor Tasha Williams stated bluntly that this felt like “murder” and should be treated as such. For them, the legal process has yet to fully reflect the severity of the loss.
Remembering Roxanne and Demanding Change
Roxanne was more than just the victim of a crash — she was a vibrant, joyful young girl with a bright future ahead. She loved spending time with her friends, enjoyed school, and brought a smile to everyone who knew her. Her absence has left an irreplaceable hole in the hearts of her family and in the Harrison Township community.
In the year since her passing, friends, neighbors, and advocates have gathered to honor her memory, calling for stronger DUI laws and harsher penalties for drivers whose recklessness costs innocent lives. Vigils, memorial runs, and public awareness campaigns have been organized in her name, ensuring that her story is never forgotten.
As the case against Glowatski moves forward, the Bonnoni family continues to fight for accountability — not only for Roxanne but for every family who has lost someone to impaired driving. Their hope is that out of this tragedy, meaningful change will come, sparing other families the pain they have endured.
